Modern Medicine: Infant Physical Therapy - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Modern Medicine: Infant Physical Therapy

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Part of Gulf Coast Medical Center's new expansion will be expanding the scope of the Neonatal Intensive Care program.  

Gulf Coast's NICU is the only one within a two hour drive, and they are already providing advanced therapy.

Little Jacob was born two months early. His parents, Shane and Elizabeth Magnus, say he is an amazing fighter.  Physical Therapist Stacy Zediker is helping Jacob continue his development.

"We do a type of physical therapy called developmental care, and it's really focused on how to assist the premature infant to develop as if they were in utero," explains Zediker.

Zediker says therapy helps the nervous system and brain development.

"We help them achieve the posture they would if they were still in mom's tummy. We also work on massage, which helps the baby calm and increase their digestion as well as absorb minerals," Zediker explains.

Educating parents is also a big part of the process.

In addition to physical therapy, speech therapy is also available.