My experience with Saebo started April 2006 to present. I have had 10 patients who were fitted and are using the device to further Independence. I have had some great results. 1. Patient-CVA post 22 years ago. We have had to work first on lengthening her flexor tendons using a Dynasplint wrist extension. She has a prosthetic leg on stroke side. (She was in a tractor accident and lost her leg and had a blood clot resulting in stroke). She has the most tone in her L UE so far of all other patients. She is working with grasping the 7 ball w/ Saeboflex mostly in front of her because she has about 40 deg of AROM w/ shoulder flexion. We are making some nice gains w/ shoulder and elbow. We have been working about 2 weeks. She did get Botox shots in January. 2. Patient CVA post years ago. This guy is amazing. I have been working with him since Dec. 2006. He attends 1x per week because he travels 100 miles. He was easy to fit due to having good joint stability. He now can pick up and place a small water glass and tip it over. He is using it to carrying items. His shoulder and elbow have improved both ½ full ranges and better. His finger extension is about ¾ movements. He has never pick up anything before this training. He stated he didnt get much therapy due to right after his stroke he had DVT in the hospital and only got P.T. outpatient. No one worked on his hand. 3. Patient CVA 8 years. Young mother in her 30s currently. I just started with her. She is making nice gains w/ movement also. 4. Patient CVA 7 years ago. Male age upper 30s. This guy has amazing strength and tone w/ finger flexors, elbow extensors and shoulder elevation. If he moves his arm anytime, these synergetic patterns occur. He has to be reminded to not crush the ball, but grade the grasp of the ball. He is making good progress using his hand without tensing his shoulder and w/ elbow flexion movement without tensing his shoulder. I have a few more that later I can explain if anyone wants more examples. I was certified in April 2006 and have had to market this a lot. Its a new concept and device. It shows that the hand leads the rest of the arm. Most theories state return goes proximal to distal. The above cases have all improved w/ movement throughout the stroke arm. Patients have to be motivated and are asked to complete the exercises two 45 mins. session a day. They come in 1-3 times (depending the traveling distance) and OT guide them with what to work on next. Repetition is the key to this success to rewire the brain. I currently have 1 Neurologist from another town referring patients to me and these patients are bypassing 2-3 other OT clinics. It gets me very excited to see this improvement over a short time; however the patient has to commit long term to continue improving. I am also using the Interactive Metronome (IM) program with these patients just to see if IM speeds up more improvements. So far I would say yes. It is only the same theory of rewiring the brain to improve cognition, motor planning, and reaction time. It is well worth the $480 for the course. I know currently about 1/3 of my patients are due to treating w/ Saebo. Most of these patients are grateful for someone to care. Also, Medicare is recognizing Saeboflex as chargeable code. Medicare is covering 80%. Insurance vary. If anymore questions, I can post more information. Cimberly Kimberly Viken, OTR/L (spelling is w/ a C) Occupational Therapy . -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
