Posted: Jan. 20, 2010

At 2, Patricia Ostrow's son was diagnosed with severe learning disabilities. Doctors said the boy would function like a child for the rest of his life.

But Ostrow, a Wauwatosa resident, found a therapist who combined play and gymnastics with traditional therapy techniques, and the results were life-changing. Her son now attends high school and functions like everyone else in the class, she said.

The unique form of treatment was particularly effective because it didn't look or feel like therapy, she said.

"He didn't even realize it was therapy because it was so much fun," she said.

As time passed, she began researching how gymnastics can aid development of motor and sensory skills in kids with special needs. That work culminated this fall when Ostrow started Funtastic Gymnastic, a business offering dynamic gymnastics classes and therapy to children of all ages and diagnoses.

Now, the Wauwatosa-based company is offering therapy and adaptive gymnastics, dance, cheerleading and swim classes at 10 locations in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. A Wauwatosa location could be coming soon, Ostrow said.

Business expanding quickly

There are similar organizations around the country, but Funtastic Gymnastic is the first of its kind in the area. Ostrow said she wanted to help other children the way her son had been helped.

"I was a mom and I wanted to start something for my kids," she said.

Just months after opening, Ostrow has more than tripled the number of gymnasiums in which she offers classes and therapy. The additional locations make it easier for families to take advantage of Funtastic Gymnastic's services without extensive travel.

Therapy fosters focus

Children who have been prescribed therapy by their doctor receive the same treatment at Funtastic Gymnastic as they would elsewhere. The difference is that the licensed physical and occupational therapists also are gymnasts, and use those skills in conjunction with other therapy techniques.

Funtastic Gymnastic also offers classes to children who have not been diagnosed, like Tosa resident Camille Johnson's 10-year-old adopted daughter, Hataya.

Hataya was born addicted to crack cocaine, Camille said. That's likely the cause behind her inability to focus, though Hataya has never been formally diagnosed.

"If I'm homeschooling (Hataya) five hours, three to four of those hours she's daydreaming or fidgeting or not being on task," she said.

During gymnastic therapy sessions, Hataya is able to follow instructions and listen.

Results noticeable

Tracy Beaudry said her 11-year-old son, Nick, who has autism, has also benefited greatly from his physical therapy sessions with Funtastic Gymnastic.

"It's a place to go have fun," the Oconomowoc resident said, "and he was really motivated to do better."

Nick's therapist developed a treatment plan that used certain exercises and equipment - like the trampoline and balance beam - to help improve Nick's muscle tone and coordination. At the same time, he also practiced taking turns, interacting with others, focusing on tasks and maintaining a good attitude.

"He really did improve quite a bit in just six sessions," she said.

Online

For more information about Funtastic Gymnastic, visit funtasticgymnastic.com.