1. Kinesio Taping
A use of a specialized elastic tape designed to mimic the elasticity properties of the muscle, skin and fascia. With proper taping and contingent on how it is applied, it restricts soft tissue, inhibits spasticity of muscles and supports, stimulates weak muscles, and those with low muscle tone. (Shamsoddini A, Rasti Z, Kalantari M, Hollisaz MT, Sobhani V, Dalvand H, Bakhshandeh-Bali MK. The Impact of Kinesio Taping Technique on Children with Cerebral Palsy. Iran J Neurol.2016;15(4):219-227).
2. Toe Walking
Can be brought about by (1) an underlying condition, linked to neurological immaturity. It’s when primitive and postural reflexes are not fully integrated i.e. cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, genetic disorders; (2) developmental disorders i.e. Autism spectrum; (3) physical conditions and muscular abnormalities; (4) can be idiopathic, when causes are unknown. (Ruzbarsky J.J., Scher D., Dodwell, E. Toe Walking Causes, Epidemiology, Assessment, and Treatment. Current Opinion in Pediatrics.28(1):p 40-46, February 2016. / DOI: 10.1097/MOP.000000000000302
Some activities to try:
Video 1, forward and backward motion
Video 2, activity to facilitate heel strike
Walking backwards
3. Low muscle tone vs Muscle weakness
Quite the same but there’s a big contrast;
Low muscle tone – It’s when there is no resistance or tension of muscles when at rest or during passive movement. This is when the muscle feels floppy or soft.
Muscle weakness– When there is a decrease in the amount of resistance during active movement.
Here’s some strengthening activities to help compensate low muscle tone:
Vid 1 : modified hanging core activity
Vid 2 : ball sit-ups
4. Let’s take a break
Recharge! Mental vacation is a necessity!
https://autismontheseas.com/
https://www.dollywood.com/accessibility/
https://www.smuggs.com/
5. Motor planning difficulties
A skill of understanding and knowing on how to perform certain body movements like how to kick a ball, propel a tricycle, etc. Children presents difficulty organizing and composing sequence of steps and action. Conditions that affect this skill are mainly neurologic in nature.
Signs that your child has motor planning deficit may include (1) delays in developmental milestones, (2) Shows difficulty performing basic tasks like negotiating obstacles or uneven surfaces, alternating feet pattern when negotiating stairs etc., (3) struggles when learning new tasks, (4) presents a clumsy behavior.
Key component of our intervention is gross and fine motor strengthening.
