Coordination and Balance Issues in Children (Poor Balance and Clumsiness)
Does your child frequently trip over their own feet or come home with bruises on their knees and elbows? As parents, it’s natural to worry when your child struggles with balance and coordination, especially when these difficulties lead to frequent falls, bumps, and an apparent clumsiness that sets them apart from their peers. Understanding why these issues occur and how paediatric physiotherapy can help is crucial in supporting your child’s development and confidence.
Understanding Coordination Issues
Coordination challenges in children can manifest as difficulty in performing tasks that require fine and gross motor skills. This might include trouble with activities like running, jumping, catching a ball, or even simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil. These difficulties can be attributed to several factors, including developmental delays, underlying medical conditions, or even lack of physical activity and practice
Why is This Happening?
Children develop motor skills at different rates, and what might seem like clumsiness can often be a part of their normal growth. However, persistent issues with balance and coordination may indicate an underlying developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or other conditions affecting their motor skills. DCD, also known as dyspraxia, is a condition where a child’s motor coordination is below what is expected for their age, making everyday tasks challenging.
Other factors that might contribute to poor balance and clumsiness include:
Muscle Weakness: Insufficient muscle strength can lead to difficulties in controlling movements and maintaining balance.
Sensory Processing Disorders: Some children may have trouble processing sensory information, leading to challenges in coordination and balance.
Neurological Conditions: Conditions like cerebral palsy or genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome can impact motor skills and coordination
So... What Do I Do?
If you notice your child struggling with balance and clumsiness, it’s important to seek professional help to address these issues early. Paediatric physiotherapy can be highly effective in improving coordination and balance, helping your child gain confidence and independence.
How Can Paediatric Physiotherapy Help?
At Leaping Kids, we understand the unique challenges that come with poor balance and clumsiness. Our mobile paediatric physiotherapy services in Sydney are designed to provide targeted support to help your child develop their coordination skills. Our physiotherapists work closely with your child to create individualized treatment plans that address their specific needs.
Therapy sessions often include:
Balance Exercises: Activities that challenge and improve your child’s balance, helping them gain confidence and stability.
Strength Training: Building muscle strength to support better control over movements.
Coordination Activities: Exercises that improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Sensory Integration Therapy: Techniques that help your child process and respond to sensory information more effectively.
What a Typical Coordination Exercise Looks Like in Paediatric Physiotherapy
The Benefits of Mobile Physiotherapy
Our mobile service means that therapy can take place in the comfort of your home or your child’s school, making it more convenient and less stressful for both you and your child. Being in a familiar environment can also enhance your child’s ability to engage and progress in therapy.
Message from one of our physiotherapists
At Leaping Kids, we understand what you’re going through. Seeing your child struggle with coordination and balance can be tough but know that you’re not alone. Our team is dedicated to helping your child overcome these challenges and thrive. Together, we can make a difference in your child’s life.
Why choose leaping Kids?
Want to know more? get in touch with us today !
