Little Giraffe Center, Inc.

10/13/2025

TRICYCLE TRAINING

Tricycle training in physical therapy offers significant benefits for physical and cognitive development, including improved coordination, balance, and strength in the legs and core. Kids generally start riding standard tricycles between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. It also boosts confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills while improving cardiovascular fitness and spatial awareness. The repetitive pedaling motion helps improve motor planning and can support improved gait training.

10/12/2025

"A fun day at the Bronx Zoo"

10/11/2025

Sunny the Giraffe and Oranda Goldfish

09/30/2025

National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated every October to recognize and promote the physical therapy profession and its vital role in helping people recover from injury and illness to improve their movement and quality of life. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) began observing the first National Physical Therapy Month in October 1992 to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical therapy and to show appreciation for physical therapists and assistants.

09/11/2025

September 11 in New York 2025

09/10/2025

WHAT IS DROP FOOT?

Drop foot is a condition where it is difficult or impossible to lift the front part of the foot. This can cause the foot to drag or slap against the ground while walking.

Causes:
Drop foot can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Nerve damage: Damage to the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles that lift the front part of the foot, is the most common cause of drop foot. This damage can occur due to trauma, surgery, or compression.
2. Muscle weakness: Weakness in the muscles that lift the front part of the foot can also cause drop foot. This can be caused by conditions such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis.
3. Neurological disorders: Certain neurological disorders, such as stroke or spinal cord injuries, can damage the nerves or muscles involved in foot movement and lead to drop foot.
4. Structural problems: Foot deformities or structural abnormalities in the leg can also put pressure on the peroneal nerve and cause drop foot.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring foot function and improving mobility.

09/02/2025

09/02/2025

Bell's Palsy Physical Therapy

Bell's palsy is a temporary paralysis of the facial muscles caused by damage to the facial nerve. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process by strengthening and coordinating the facial muscles.

Goals of Bell's Palsy Physical Therapy:
Improve facial muscle strength and function, restore facial symmetry and movement, reduce facial spasms and involuntary movements, and enhance coordination and control of facial expressions.

Types of Exercises:
Facial exercises:
Targeted movements to strengthen specific facial muscles, such as raising eyebrows, smiling, or frowning.

Massage:
Gentle massage techniques to stimulate blood flow and reduce muscle tension.

Biofeedback:
Use of sensors to provide real-time feedback on muscle activity, helping patients improve their control.

Mirror therapy:
Observing and mimicking facial expressions on the unaffected side to promote symmetry.

09/02/2025

Little Giraffe Center would like to introduce our new aide, Leo Lin. He is fluent in Mandarin and a native of Brooklyn New York.

08/21/2025

In physical therapy, scar scraping, also known as Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), uses specialized tools to apply pressure and break down scar tissue, reducing tension, promoting healing, and improving pliability. This technique helps to desensitize hypersensitive nerves within the scar, diminish pain and itching, and increase the scar's mobility and overall health. A physical therapist will create a personalized plan for your scar, gradually increasing pressure and performing the technique in various directions (up-and-down, side-to-side, and circular motions) to improve the scar's maturity and function.