Whether your child is recovering from a spinal cord injury or they have just had spinal surgery, rehabilitation is key. What many families may not realize is that there are many forms of spinal cord rehabilitation. One that is often forgotten is occupational therapy.

Gillette Children's is marking its 125th anniversary in 2022. During this milestone year, we engaged stakeholders from across the Gillette community to shape our new mission statement and refresh our brand. We simplified our name a bit--we are now officially Gillette Children's. Read more to discover what this new name, look, and focus means.

Magnetic-controlled growth rods (MAGEC) eliminate repetitive surgical procedures in young patients with early-onset scoliosis.

When you come to Gillette Children’s you’ll collaborate with one of the nation’s top providers of pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapies. Gillette Children’s has occupational therapists throughout the Twin Cities metro area in our St. Paul, Phalen, Burnsville and Maple Grove clinic locations. Gillette also provides access, if appropriate, to children throughout the region through virtual appointments.

From fashion advice to practical tips for skin irritation, we answer the common questions kids and teens have about wearing scoliosis bracing.

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) month and Gillette is highlighting the amazing work our OT team does every day to help our patients increase their independence with daily activities. Gillette is one of the only pediatric health care centers to have an ArmeoSpring machine. Our occupational therapists use this robotic exoskeleton to assist patients who are building strength as the result of trauma, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions or stroke.

"Every step Sophia takes is a testament to the countless dedicated individuals who made it possible." Sophia and her family traveled from Arkansas to Minnesota for several major surgeries to treat her cerebral palsy.

A 2013 study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine determined that kids who play one sport for 8 or more months a year are almost three times more likely to experience an overuse injury. At Gillette Children’s, our providers, nurses and staff are here to help treat overuse injuries in children of all ages and backgrounds. 

The Paralympic Games are underway in Beijing, China. More than 650 athletes are competing with five Para athletes from Minnesota. These Games are an opportunity to highlight people successfully living with a disability. "Pure Grit," a book from Gillette Children's Healthcare Press, echoes this theme and changes the preconceived notions about what is possible for people who have a disability.

Music therapy helps manage pain, helps a child adjust to a hospital environment, provides positive emotional experiences, and promotes comfort and relaxation.

The 12th Annual Gillette Children's Adaptive Ski Day was an opportunity for children who have disabilities to discover the thrill of downhill skiing. Marcie Ward, MD, is a Gillette pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician and says these adaptive sports events bring joy and can transform children and families.

Gillette Children's provides support and resources to help kids achieve their athletic goals. Our therapeutic recreation specialists take pride in helping kids improve their strength and flexibility while having the fun experience of playing sports.

Gillette Children’s has a rich history of teaching students, residents and fellows. To ensure that this strong tradition continues, Steven Koop, MD will be the very first Teacher Emeritus at Gillette.

You and your child can have access to the same trusted team of Gillette Children’s physical, occupational, and speech/language therapists from the safety and comfort of your own home. Thanks to technology and expanded access, Gillette Children’s has improved our virtual rehab therapy program.

Katie Peltz, PA recently joined the Orthopedics team at Gillette Children’s. Peltz specializes in treating idiopathic, neuromuscular and congenital scoliosis, along with a variety of other conditions.

I have always said that the only thing that I want for Peyton is for her to be able to “create her own story.” I want her to tell us what she is capable of doing and not let anyone believe less of her.

From severe pain and swelling to popping sounds, these are the signs your child has a torn ACL and sports injury.

Finding the perfect gift isn’t easy – and when you’re shopping for kids and young adults who have sensory issues, physical disabilities or other special needs, it can prove even more challenging. Here are some tips from the experts at Gillette Children's.

After Jeffrey received an intrathecal baclofen pump that would help manage his cerebral palsy at Gillette, his world opened up. He inspired his dad to become a marathon runner and even became an official "marathon maniac" in his own right.

Gillette Children's is committed to providing access and excellence in health care to children throughout Minnesota. National Rural Health Day is November 18th and an opportunity to celebrate the community-minded spirit of rural American and to highlight health care providers who keep people living in these areas healthy. Although we’re headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gillette has clinics throughout the state in locations such as Alexandria, Baxter, Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato, St. Cloud and Willmar.

"Anyone who has spent as much time in doctor’s offices or waiting rooms as we have knows how frustrating it can be to start from square one when discussing your child’s medical condition. When you’re at Gillette, you never need to do that. I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means.” -Trisha Irvin

The day was Christmas Eve, the year was 2003 and the Ketelhohns were resting and watching a movie in their home near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was an idyllic evening, but their youngest daughter, 8-month-old, Kate, had a slight fever. It was the type of malady that many children experience throughout their development. There was no reason to worry, until there was.