Is your child having trouble with walking, running, or climbing? These gross motor skills are crucial for a child’s overall growth and development, and addressing these challenges early can ensure your child reaches their milestones. Keep reading to find out what gross motor skill delays are, what causes them, and how pediatric physical therapy can empower your child to move and play with confidence.
What Is a Gross Motor Skill Delay?
Gross motor skills involve the coordination of large muscle groups for activities such as walking, running, and climbing. These skills are vital for a child’s everyday functioning because they learn by interacting with their environment through play and exploration. A delay in achieving gross motor milestones means that a child may struggle with fundamental movements for their age, which impacts their ability to play, explore, and participate in daily activities.
Examples of Gross Motor Skills in Children
Here are some of the common gross motor skills that children will develop as they grow:
- Turning their head to both sides
- Lifting their head while on their belly
- Rolling from their belly to their back
- Rolling from their back to their belly
- Maintains a sitting position
- Lies down and sits up without help
- Crawls on their hands and knees
- Pulls themselves up to a standing position
- Walks without holding onto anything
- Walks up and down stairs
- Runs, jumps, and skips
- Climbs on furniture, playground equipment, etc.
- Throws and catches balls
For a full list of the developmental skills your child should achieve between birth and age five, check out our developmental milestones checklist.
What Can Cause Gross Motor Skill Delays?
Several conditions can impact a child’s ability to develop their gross motor skills on schedule. These include:
- Dyspraxia (or developmental coordination disorder)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Sensory processing disorder
- Spina bifida
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Premature birth or low birth weight
How Physical Therapy Can Help Children Build Their Gross Motor Skills
Pediatric physical therapy is designed to improve all a child’s gross motor skills by addressing their underlying skills such as balance, coordination, and strength. We use proven, play-based activities and exercises to target each child’s specific needs and empower them to move their bodies for play and exploration. Your child’s treatment plan may include:
- Exercises to improve walking, running, and climbing abilities
- Activities like dancing that improve coordination and balance
- Exercises like planking to build muscle strength and endurance
- Practice to enhance stamina or endurance
Schedule an Evaluation
If your child has a developmental delay or other condition that impacts their ability to walk, run, or climb, Little Hands at Play can help. We’ll work with your child to build their gross motor skills and improve their overall quality of life. Call us at (479) 226-3409 to schedule an evaluation with our physical therapists today.
