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About the Provider
Name: Melissa Dermody
Disciplines/credentials: Physiotherapist
Modalities: Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP), Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Client Background
Name: Jake (pseudonym)
Age and Gender: 6-year-old boy
Program Delivered: Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) Levels 1-3
When Jake was three years old, he became infected with COVID-19. This illness resulted in severe complications, including mild left hemiplegia. For Jake, this meant difficulty in posturing his left arm and toning his left ankle, which affected his gait. He also had limitations in his cardiovascular endurance.
To help address his symptoms, Jake’s family had enrolled him in physiotherapy. He had also previously listened to a round of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP); while helpful, these treatments did not fully resolve the issues Jake’s family hoped to treat.
Jake had become averse to loud environments, meaning he struggled in a traditional classroom environment and was now homeschooled. His family hoped to help Jake boost his confidence and regulatory ability, with the additional goal of improving his physical functioning. Jake’s provider, Melissa Remody, suggested Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) to help Jake meet these objectives.
Implementation of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Jake listened to RRP remotely, with his mother present to help co-regulate. During the initial listening sessions, Jake engaged in low-level physical activity, including swinging and guided pool exercises. Then, he transitioned to listening for 5-10 minutes nightly as part of his bedtime routine.
Response
As Jake continued listening to RRP, his provider and his family noticed significant results. Jake became more confident in his abilities, opting to engage in physical activities for longer at the playground and the pool. Jake noticeably improved in physical tests administered by Melissa, including the six-minute walk test, the Pediatric Balance Scale and muscle response testing. He demonstrated greater cardiovascular endurance, balance, left-ankle muscle tone and greater fluidity of his left arm, showing improvement in all the physical areas his family sought to address. He also began tolerating noisy environments, even enjoying a monster truck rally with his family. His family and provider, Melissa, noticed his regulatory capacity growing, helping him achieve all these milestones.
Discussion
By increasing Jake’s overall feeling of safety, he gained the autonomy to develop his personal sense of confidence. This directly impacted his physical functioning, indicating that providing clients with tools to find an internal sense of regulation can enhance and accelerate physical and functional capabilities. Melissa also shared that RRP could potentially benefit clients with a history of stroke or neurological impairment.
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