Engagement PT

02/17/2026

Another great local business that supports youth activities in Dickinson!!

02/17/2026

So much thought has gone into the updated definition of CP — have you read it?

Overall, I mostly like it. One major shift is the explicit focus on motor control and motor learning, rather than just muscle forces. That’s huge. It could redirect research away from spasticity alone and toward the underlying motor control challenges.

Key highlights:

• CP is described as a condition, not a disorder
• Impairment of functional development is central
• Selective motor control impairment is recognized
• It’s attributed to malformation or injury — acknowledging we don’t fully understand causation
• It must be recognized as an early neurodevelopmental diagnosis (typically within the first 2–3 years)
• “Phenotype” introduces genetics and gene function
• “Complex” acknowledges clinical, developmental, psychological, cultural, and social factors
• The relationship between activity limitations (ICF) and impairments in body structure/function is clarified — participation matters, but it’s not the primary diagnostic anchor

One disappointment: while sensory-motor aspects are discussed in the text, sensory factors are not included in the primary definition. In my view, that’s a significant miss. Sensory processing is often under-recognized but essential in therapy.

An uncomfortable reality: the CP acronym remains in the professional definition but is omitted in the public-facing one due to internet search associations.

Abbreviated definition:
Cerebral palsy is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition beginning in early life, caused by a non-degenerative brain disturbance affecting motor abilities and often other aspects of functioning across the lifespan.

Free full text:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dmcn.70149

02/06/2026

Billi’s brain is a beautiful thing. 🧠

She taught the serial casting week long course Katie attended in 2017.

“Equinus deformity” is just Fancy Nancy for walking on tip toes.

Toe walking greater than 20% of the day after 2 years old is worth an evaluation! 🩰

01/28/2026

Register NOW!

Curing childhood cancer....One Lake at a time

01/22/2026

Movement matters🥰

Children with Down syndrome often face challenges maintaining adequate levels of physical activity, which might be associated with their mobility performance. This study investigates the relationship between parent-reported physical activity levels and mobility performance in children with Down syndrome. Using the IPAQ-short version and the PEDI-CAT Mobility domain, data was analyzed from 48 children aged 6-17 years. Results showed a positive association: children who were more physically active also demonstrated better mobility in daily activities. These findings highlight the importance of promoting opportunities for physical activity and mobility to support functioning and participation in this population.

🌟 CanChild Co-Authors: Beatriz Helena Brugnaro Marques, Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Robert Palisano

🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/jvMp50XWntM

01/21/2026

01/16/2026

Life long learner!

Mckenna is the kind of human we all need to spend more time with. She’s hungry to learn more and do better. She’ll be spending this zero visability day with Mary Massary talking about if you can’t breathe you can’t function. Breathing it the #1 most important thing we must do as living people.

How does needing oxygen at birth impact posture? How do breathing mechanics impact all other areas of life?

01/13/2026

The Role of the Pelvic Floor in Postpartum Recovery

During pregnancy, the pelvic floor bears the brunt of your growing baby, and after childbirth, these muscles can feel like they've run a marathon. Whether you're dealing with urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or a feeling of “looseness,” a bout of pelvic physical therapy will guide you to a healthier you.

Pelvic floor exercises, often branded under the umbrella term “Kegels,” are designed to target and tone these muscles. But let’s be real: Kegels are only part of the system.

For most people "Kegels" alone will not get you back to running marathons, playing volleyball without leaking, or jumping on the trampoline with your kids without causing a prolapse.

We need to look at the whole core system to get your body working the way God intended. Postpartum pelvic physical therapy is about understanding your body, monitoring your progress, and setting yourself up for a smooth return to everyday activities.

A well-coordinated and strong core system is necessary for posture, pressure management, and even improved sexual function.

Moreover, these exercises can help prevent long-term issues like pelvic prolapse or chronic pelvic pain. By investing time in pelvic physical therapy after pregnancy, you're not just getting back in shape, you're forging a long-term alliance with your body.

01/09/2026

Is your baby tilting their head to one side, struggling with tummy time—or even breastfeeding?

You might be noticing early signs of Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) — a common condition where one side of the neck is tighter or weaker than the other. The good news? 💡

With early physical therapy, babies recover.

At Engagement PT we use:
🧠 Evidence-based interventions proven to correct CMT and improve motor development
💪 Activities that build strength evenly on both sides of the body
🍼 Connections to experts to support breastfeeding or bottle feeding as needed (EExpression - Dickinson

✨ Early therapy (before 3 months and as early as 2-3 days) gives the best chance for full correction and easier progress.

If your baby favors one side, has a flat spot, or struggles during feeding, don't wait and see!
Call us now because early intervention makes all the difference! 💖

📞 701-495-3611 | http:/engagementpt.com/

01/07/2026

This week marks 5 years at Engagement PT!

But, 13 years practicing and honing her passion for all things womens health, pelvic floor specilized, and pediatric physical therapy.

Katie is the best! Greatful for her expertise at Engagement and our community. 🥰

To celebrate her we have a surprise for everyone coming to the clinic this week!ht