Balance and coordination are essential skills that are vital to your child’s ability to move, play, and explore. If your child is facing challenges with these skills, physical therapy is the solution. Keep reading to learn more about balance and coordination, what can cause delays in these areas, and how pediatric physical therapy can help.
What Are Balance and Coordination?
Balance is the ability to maintain a stable position, while coordination involves the smooth and efficient control of your body’s movement. These are the gross motor skills that allow children to navigate their environment with ease, from crawling and walking to playing and climbing. Developing strong balance and coordination is vital because it helps children master new skills as they get older.
Signs of Balance or Coordination Delays
Some common signs that your child may be struggling with balance or coordination include:
- Frequent stumbling, tripping, or falling while walking on even surfaces
- Difficulty maintaining balance when standing still
- Clumsiness or awkward movements
- Trouble navigating through crowded spaces without bumping into objects or people
- Difficulty with activities like catching a ball or riding a bike
- Struggles with basic motor skills like kicking a ball, jumping, or skipping
- Challenges with tying shoelaces or buttoning shirts
- Trouble using utensils, holding a pencil, or coloring within lines
- Difficulty sitting upright, often slouching or falling over
- Uneven weight distribution on legs when standing
- Unusual walking, such as walking on toes or with feet turned inward or outward
Physical Therapy Can Improve Balance and Coordination
Pediatric physical therapy is designed to help children improve their gross motor skills and overall ability to move. We use play-based, proven treatments to build your child’s balance and coordination skills in a fun and supportive environment. Your child’s treatment will be personalized to their specific needs and may include different stretches, exercises, or games that facilitate improved balance and coordination. Our goal is to empower your child with the skills they need for confident movement and exploration so they can be more independent.
Early Intervention is Vital for Smooth Development
Children need to practice to learn new skills, and it’s normal for toddlers to lose their balance or not have great coordination because they are still learning. But if your child is past the age where they should have decent balance or coordination, intervention from our skilled physical therapists can help. If you aren’t sure whether your child’s struggles count as a delay, you can always check out our developmental milestones checklist to learn more about what skills your child should have for their age.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you’ve noticed your child struggling with balance or coordination, Little Hands at Play is here to help. Call us at (479) 226-3409 to schedule an evaluation with our physical therapists today.
