Fine Motor… What is it?
There are many things the majority of us take for granted. For example: rolling over in the morning without your back hurting, standing or walking without assist, turning without falling. These all require varying degrees of physical ability that not everyone posses’. In general when we want to complete a movement based task, our brain generates a signal to the body via our nerves to do the movement. Tasks such as walking, standing, reaching, kicking etc…we call gross motor coordination. Basically it’s the movement of larger muscle groups in a coordinated way.
Fine motor coordination is a little more complex. This is generally referred to as the micro movements coordinated between our: eyes, nerves and small muscles in the hands/fingers (or feet/toes). It is through this system that humans are able to manipulate small objects and complete tasks such as: writing, texting, picking up a penny/pencil/toothbrush. Without the benefits of fine motor coordination, many of these everyday tasks take up much more energy. Imagine needing your wrists to try and open a doorknob instead of your fingers. Signing your name, plucking a hair, scratching your pets ears, all look a lot different when the signal from the nerves to the muscles of your hands breaks down.
I have a background as a PTA, and have spent over a decade working with people of all ages and abilities. Since I started my farmer-florist journey, I have wanted to keep incorporating my background and knowledge into what I am building with Doom & Bloom Farm. Most commonly I find myself working with the frail elderly, people with progressive neurological diseases, and other stages of life that may seem bleak to many people. But honestly, we are human at any age, and are still driven to carry on by the pleasures we find in this world. We are resilient, even in the darkest of times, even if we don’t particularly want to be.
Nature and access to it has been one of the most common goals of my patient’s. Why? Because nature is relaxing, healing, sustaining. We all feel a connection to Mother Earth. Many of my patient’s are brought flowers by well-wishers in their healing journeys. I often see these flowers decaying rapidly on the counter as I come in and out of my patient’s homes. Sometimes people will ask if I can change the water, throw away dead stems… but people always keep these bouquets in site until they are nearly disintegrated. Why? Because they are symbols of love, and cheer from the outside world. Frequently, these are the only bit of nature many get when experiencing being homebound. The barriers to keeping them looking fresh are often related to strength and mobility.
Which got me thinking…
What if there was an easier way to change the water? How can someone spend an afternoon arranging flowers if they wanted? If you don’t have fine motor strength, how can we use gross motor coordination to make this easier?
Since working in physical therapy means that you are also a professional problem solver. I got to work developing a product….
A flower frog that sits on top of a vase! The large holes allow for easy stem placement. The frog is made of thick and sturdy material that makes it easy to lift using fingers, palms or wrists. Flowers come up easily (and stay in place!) when you need to change the water or trim stems. There’s no need to try and hold finicky stems while arranging. It really does improve the ability to make an aesthetically elegant arrangement for any manual or creative skill level. This product has been so well reviewed that I now carry a stock on hand in my shop at all times. Get one for your friend or loved one who loves their flowers.
Bloom Club Subscribers get one with their first delivery. Flower frogs are also available as an add on to our Bloom Bar, so anyone at your event can go home with a beautiful arrangement.