What OT does…
Azimuth Occupational Therapy & Wellness, provides a full range of occupational therapy treatments for people of all ages – from infancy to older adults. We offer treatment for all types of neurological and motor concerns with a desire to address the underlying condition not just mask the symptoms. Our desire is to help you regain function in daily activities with increased confidence to get you on the right track. Once we assess your condition, we provide outpatient treatments in one convenient location in the Dallas area. Whether you have a temporary or permanent impairment, we will provide you with a personalized therapy program to help you restore, maintain, or improve your independence and participation in daily activities.
Who Benefits?
Common adult conditions that may benefit from our outpatient OT:
-Stroke
-Orthopedic injuries (shoulder, hand, wrist) range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination -TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) -TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
-New or existing Neurological conditions -Cognitive Conditions-memory, attention, problem solving -Activity Modification
Common pediatric conditions that may benefit from our outpatient OT: -Cerebral Palsy -Down Syndrome -Developmental Delays -Sensory/Auditory Processing Disorder -Retained Primitive Reflexes
What are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are movement patterns that are designed to keep a newborn alive. These reflexes should naturally go away as the baby develops and grows, however if they remain for too long, they can indicate other developmental concerns. Skipping a milestone like crawling, appearing clumsy or uncoordinated are just a few of the signs and symptoms that go along with a retained reflex. Children can also have focus or attention challenges, even trouble with handwriting. Lastly, appearing hypervigilant or anxious could also be an indicator of a retained reflex.
Even when primitive reflexes integrate at the appropriate age, they can reappear due to trauma or injury. If you think your loved one might have a retained or reappearing reflex, here at Azimuth, we complete a thorough assessment to reveal atypical movement patterns or symptoms that could correlate with a retained reflex. The therapist also creates a custom treatment plan to meet the needs of the client.
Retained reflexes can be a sign of developmental regression and significant neurological abnormalities. People with retained reflexes may display remarkable talents and strengths, which can overshadow their weaknesses. However, they may also struggle with interpersonal relationships or chronic health issues.
Vision therapy programs can help people integrate retained reflexes. These programs use rhythmic movement training techniques that imitate the movements of an infant in development.
Signs & Symptoms of Primitive Reflexes in Adults & Pediatrics
Retained primitive reflexes in adults and children can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from subtle issues to severe delays.
Some signs include:
Poor coordination: Difficulty with coordination and balance
Eye movement issues: Difficulty changing gaze from far to near, or eye movement and visual processing problems
Motion sickness: Motion sickness is a common symptom of retained reflexes
Poor posture: Poor posture or stooping
Weak muscle tone: Weak muscle tone or tense muscle tone
Startle reflex: An exaggerated startle reflex
Light sensitivity: Light sensitivity is a symptom of the moro reflex
Poor impulse control: Poor impulse control or fidgeting
Toe walking: Toe walking is a sign of retained reflexes