Help Your Child Manage Balance Disorders
With Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Balance and coordination training stands as a crucial intervention when addressing a child’s frequent stumbling or clumsiness. When a child experiences repetitive falls or seems clumsy, therapists implement targeted strategies to enhance their coordination and equilibrium.
Through engaging and playful techniques like obstacle courses and structured play-based activities, therapists aim to challenge and refine the child’s balance and coordination skills. These activities are meticulously designed to not only improve these motor skills but also to keep the child motivated and enthusiastic about their therapy sessions.
By integrating fun and purposeful exercises, therapists can effectively address the child’s individualized goals while fostering a positive and enjoyable environment for skill development. Improving balance is crucial in helping kids enjoy playtime and other key childhood activities. Call Root Pediatrics to learn how we can help.
Common Causes of Childhood Balance Disorders
Understanding the underlying cause of your child’s balance difficulties is the first step in addressing it. In some cases, your child’s balance issues may be temporary, such as those brought on by inner ear infections. In other cases, balance may be an issue your child will need to manage in the long term.
Here are some of the common causes of longer-term balance disorders:
Congenital Issues
Some children may have congenital abnormalities in their vestibular system, which affect their balance spatial awareness.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
This condition occurs when tiny crystals build up in the inner ear, causing a spinning sensation that also impacts balance.
Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions that affect movement and posture, such as cerebral palsy, often lead to balance problems.
Motor Developmental Delays
Developmental delays related to gross motor skills may also contribute to balance disorders in kids.
How Root Pediatrics Can Help
Pediatric physical therapy can play an important role in helping children manage balance disorders. Our comprehensive assessments can help you better understand why your child struggles with balance, and our fun-child-centered approach ensures your child will enjoy their therapy sessions.
We always take the time to get to know your child and learn more about their unique interests and favorite activities. That way, we can tailor their treatment to include things they enjoy doing. Your child’s job is to play; ours is to direct that playtime to address any factors contributing to your child’s balance difficulties.
For example, if your child has a weak core (which impacts balance), we might have them spend time on a swing. If they lack coordination, we might take them through a few rounds of an obstacle course. We’ll provide equipment and ideas to modify the environment, along with activities and suggestions you can incorporate at home, ensuring therapy lasts beyond the clinic.
We’re here to help your child thrive, even if they might feel a little off-balance sometimes. Call our pediatric therapy clinic in Bozeman, MT to schedule an initial consultation.