Developmental Delays

Developmental Delays: How Physiotherapy Can Help Your Child Thrive

Every child develops at their own pace. However, if you’re concerned that your child might be experiencing delays in reaching certain milestones, physiotherapy at Momentum Health can be a valuable resource. Our physiotherapists know movement and can help assess and address gross motor delays and balance and coordination problems in children.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

What are Gross Motor Delays and Balance & Coordination Problems?

Gross motor skills involve using large muscle groups in the torso, arms and legs, for activities like rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, and jumping. By using their whole bodies, infants and children become increasingly confident, agile and independent.

A child with a gross motor delay may:

Favor one side of the body or will not use both limbs equally (e.g. turns or rolls to one side, uses one hand predominantly when reaching for things).
Miss typical milestones for these activities altogether.
Show signs of stiff or floppy trunk, arms and legs.
Struggle with activities that require coordination of both sides of the body (e.g. gait, crawling, climbing stairs, running).
Appear clumsy or have difficulty maintaining balance.
Have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces or negotiating stairs.
Be hesitant to participate in activities perceived as risky (e.g. climbing, jumping)

Early Signs to Look Out For:

By 3 months: Difficulty lifting head and/or pushing up on their arms while on their tummy.
By 6 months: Unable to sit supported and/or roll back to tummy and tummy to back, poor head control.
By 9 months: Difficulty crawling or doesn’t bear weight on their legs when supported, uses one side of the body to move or one hand to grasp and reach.
By 1 year: Difficulty pulling to stand because of stiff legs and pointed toes, doesn’t take steps while holding onto furniture, unable to sit independently without support.
By 18 months: Doesn’t show signs of walking independently, poor standing balance, toe walking.

Development-delays-momentum-health-calgary-ab

Common Causes of Developmental Delays

Premature birth and low birth weight: Premature babies as well as those born with a low birth weight (<4.5lbs) are at a higher risk of experience delays in reaching milestones and motor development skills due to the fact that their brain hasn’t had enough time to fully develop by the time they are born.
Genetic conditions: Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, autism and other genetic conditions can affect muscle development and
movement.
Environmental conditions: Lack of exposure to movement, sleeping positions and surfaces (e.g. mattress vs car seat vs stroller), time spent in car seat/stroller can also influence motor development.
Birth defects: Certain birth defects, such as spina bifida, can impact a child’s ability to move and develop motor skills.
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders: Cerebral palsy is a common CNS disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and posture.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

Pediatric Physiotherapy: Taking the First Step

Physiotherapists work closely with families to create individualized treatment plans based on each child’s specific needs. Exercises and activities are incorporated into fun, engaging play activities that motivate children and help improve overall movement and coordination skills.

At Momentum Health, our pediatric physiotherapists are trained to address the musculoskeletal limitations or concerns that may lead to motor development delays. These include

Congenital or Positional Torticollis: Preference for keeping the head turned or tilted to one side
Plagiocephaly: Head shape / Flat head
Hip Dysplasia: *Once cleared by your doctor or pediatrician
Gait Assessment and Training: Toe walking, coordination, pigeon toes, club foot
Motor Milestone and Infant Reflex Screening: Prone position, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking, running
Guidance for Baby’s Motor Development

Want to make playtime more meaningful? Together, we can transform playtime into a learning adventure, through engaging and functional exercises that seamlessly integrate into your child’s daily routine, fostering natural development through play.

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to call Momentum Health and let one of our caring physiotherapists assess your child’s needs and create a personalized plan to help them reach their full potential!