How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Child Develop Gross Motors Skills Effectively
It is easy to take early childhood physical development for granted. Many parents believe a child naturally progresses through the stages, and many children do. Still, some children need help acquiring the gross motor skills necessary to perform daily functions. Physical therapy near me can help.
Gross motor skills are those requiring full body movement and cooperation. They usually involve the big muscles in conjunction with several smaller muscles. Essentially, gross motor skills are responsible for hand-eye coordination, standing, sitting, running, and walking. Physical therapists can work with children to help in several key ways.
1. Building Strength and Balance
The primary focus of physical therapy is the development of strength and balance in the core or big muscle groups. A child must have the muscle strength and core endurance to achieve balance, which is crucial for many aspects of daily life, including sitting up straight.
The exercises and stretches a physical therapist uses depend on the child's age and current abilities. The routine for an infant is much different than for a toddler. The therapist assesses each patient individually to create a program that fits their developmental level.
2. Helping With Daily Tasks
The primary reason for seeking treatment with Greensboro physical therapy practices is to help your child with daily tasks, everything from sitting up and learning to balance on their own. With professional assistance and guidance, your little one may develop more quickly than you imagined possible.
A physical therapist can help you see the potential future for your little one, a time when they flourish independently. Obviously, the achievements and goals vary based on the child. Still, with the help of a physical therapist, you will be amazed at the progress that is possible.
3. Encouraging Mobility
Physical therapists try to encourage mobility in infants and toddlers. They may do this by using tools for balance or holding a child's hands as they take several steps. As with all forms of exercise, improvement is made through repetition and incremental shifts in the level of difficulty.
Depending on the child's capabilities, a therapist may help them learn to walk or stand with tools and assistance. Any legitimate physical therapist allows their patients to guide the process.
4. Ensuring Flexibility and Range of Motion
Physical therapists in Charlotte focus on more than strength-building exercises. A vital part of any therapy routine is ensuring flexibility and range of motion. Stretching is integral to helping your child develop gross motor skills. The practice keeps the joints loose and flexible, ready to move.
Many parents might overlook the need and benefit of physical therapy for an infant or toddler. Therapy is not only for children with developmental disabilities; it is also for any child. The practice is about helping children learn to strengthen and use their bodies safely and effectively. If you want to learn more about physical therapy for children, contact a local therapist and schedule an initial assessment. The professional can help you understand the purpose and benefit of physical therapy for children.
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