(Pictured) Kaycee Page, DPT, makes physical therapy fun for pediatric patient Addison Bird.

Addison Bird is a typical seven year old who enjoys playing sports, cheerleading and chasing her sister around the house. It was during one of these rounds of horseplay in August 2015 when Addison broke her foot for the first time.

Doctors put her in a cast, but were surprised weeks later when Addison’s bone hadn’t healed. They casted her foot a second time and then a third, but the bone still didn’t heal. Her orthopedist referred the family to the Pediatric Rehab Therapy Program at Olathe Medical Center.

“When Addison first started coming to therapy, it was tough for her to move her foot or even tolerate someone touching it,” said Kaycee Page, DPT, Addison’s physical therapist.

“We incorporated play into our activities to make our sessions fun. When you can establish that connection and trust with pediatric patients, then doing the scary or sometimes painful things aren’t so bad.”

Addison attended therapy twice a week with Kaycee, in the specialized indoor rehabilitation pool and in the therapy gym at OMC.

“Kaycee is so amazing,” Addison’s mom, Shanna Bird, said. “She’s compassionate and supportive—it’s extraordinary the bond she formed with Addison.”

Addison’s bone finally healed, but in January 2016 she developed a condition called complex regional pain syndrome, a chronic pain condition that can occur after an injury. She returned for more therapy with Kaycee and slowly began to heal again.

“Addison spent months in a wheelchair when she was suffering from the complex regional pain syndrome,” Shanna said. “We truly did not know whether Addison would be in that wheelchair for the rest of her life.

But, it was Addison’s strength and perseverance, along with Kaycee’s encouragement every step of the way, that got Addison back up on her feet, learning how to walk again.”

Last May, Addison was cleared to play in her first softball game since first hurting her foot.

“That was the best day,” Shanna said. “She had worked so hard to get there. It makes me tear up still, just thinking about it.”

Addison re-injured her foot again this fall. But the family is thankful Kaycee and the rest of the pediatric therapy team continue to be there to support Addison and her family.

“We trust them—and most importantly Addison trusts them.” Shanna said. “She looks forward to therapy, and knows Kaycee is there to help her reach her goals.”

To learn more about Pediatric Therapy, call 913-324-8638.