Every child is different. Every child has their own set of weaknesses whether it is on a social level, in school, or physically. As a parent, it is imperative to watch for your child’s tendencies because you could discover they have a physical issue that needs to be addressed by a medical professional. There are plenty of children who need to see a physical therapist to work out any issues they have. With that said, here are three signs that may mean that your child is in need of a physical therapist.
They Walk On Their Toes
Some children need to walk on their toes to compensate for a type of physical impairment. This may be impaired balance, muscle tightness, or a weak core. When a child walks on their toes, they are not helping the problem and can even adverse effect because it can lead to other issues. A physical therapist can work with your child, so they can learn how to walk normally.
They Can Use The Stair Properly
A four-year-old child should be able to walk up and down their stairs without relying on the handrails to balance themselves. Also, they should not need to have to put both of their feet on each stair. If your child is older than the age of four and struggles to walk up and down steps, it likely means their balance is poor, they have muscle weaknesses, or they have a developmental coordination disorder.
Slouching/Bad Postures
When children slouch, it usually means that they are uninterested in what you. However, it could mean that they have weak trunk muscles. It is essential to address this concern right away because it can lead to poor motor skills and a bad physical foundation. Your child’s physical therapist will know a variety of core strengthening exercises to build up their trunk muscles.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (202) 561-1110 (Washington, D.C. office) or (301) 577-4333 (Lanham office). Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.