Hypotonia is a condition characterised by weakness and floppiness, the specific medical term for this is hypotonia which means LOW TONE.
When posture is weak and hypotonic it’s difficult to move against gravity.
The extent of the low tone can vary. Some infants can be identified at birth with a head lag and poor feeding issues. Or some babies are identified when they are struggling holding their head up, sitting up and tolerating tummy time, impacting their milestone development.
In older children it can be a poor posture and a heavy poorly controlled gait or significant fatigue.
It’s typical with many genetic conditions and in cerebral palsy that children can be hypotonic and we assess the impact it has on movement and function and how your child responds to different types of treatment.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of hypotonia, helping children improve muscle tone, strength, and motor skills.
Physiotherapist build up the movement and power. We use movements, touch and support to increase messages to wake the body and get muscles moving.
When you observe hypotonia or low tone it’s important to remember
– Children are not being lazy
– It can be exhausting to move so little and often is the trick
– Handling is extremely important- too much help and static postures make babies stop working. They need the right amount of challenge
Physiotherapy interventions for hypotonia focus on improving muscle strength, balance, coordination, and motor skills. A physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of the child’s muscle tone, joint range of motion, posture, and functional abilities. Based on this assessment, an individualized treatment plan is developed to address the specific needs of the child.
Physiotherapy interventions for hypotonia may include a variety of techniques and exercises. One of the primary goals is to provide sensory input to the muscles and joints, which helps stimulate muscle contraction tone. This can be achieved through activities such as joint compressions, vibration toys and resistance exercises.
Another essential aspect of physiotherapy for hypotonia is strengthening exercises. The physiotherapist will guide the child through specific exercises that target weak muscles and promote muscle development. These exercises may involve the use of therapy balls, climbing, small repetitions to get muscles working.
Balance and coordination activities are also integral to the physiotherapy treatment for low tone. These activities help children improve their ability to adjust their posture, keep their body moving and perform controlled movements. Balance exercises may include standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or practicing activities that challenge stability.
Physiotherapy also involves educating parents and caregivers about strategies to promote optimal motor development. This may include providing guidance on positioning, handling techniques, and play activities that can be incorporated into the child’s daily routine to encourage muscle development and functional skills.
The benefits of physiotherapy for children with hypotonia are numerous. Regular physiotherapy sessions can lead to improved muscle strength, increased joint stability, enhanced coordination and balance, and better motor control. As a result, children with hypotonia can achieve developmental milestones, participate in activities with their peers, and improve their overall quality of life.
Physiotherapists work closely with the child and their family, providing ongoing support, guidance, and modifications to the treatment plan as needed.
At Klint kids we how we stand out in Melbourne to provide specialist support for hypotonia
- We offer intensive blocks of treatment, to get muscles working more regularly to learn something new with gradual and consistent input. Our Glen Waverley clinics and Narre Warren clinics support this.
- We have specialists in the team who have optimum handling skillls to challenge your child, some of this handling uses Bobath principles to really challenge the sensory system and offer the perfect amount of support and challenge
- Your child might benefit from hydrotherapy. This supported environment helps make movement easier to se can challenge at the right level.
