5 Fun Pediatric Physical Therapy Activities for Kids : Physical therapy has a wide range of benefits including improvement in motion, balance, strength, and flexibility. While pediatric physical therapy is an incredible tool for kids with reduced physical abilities, children are not always happy seeing a pediatric physical therapist.
Physical therapy can bring joy to kids if it is well-presented. Expert pediatric physical therapists aka exercise disguisers can make the therapy session fun with play-filled, engaging activities. Here are some ideas to get you started on the right foot.
Gross Motor Skills Exercises
Many fun activities like jumping rope, running, kicking, and riding requires the kid to have strong gross motor skills. These exercises aim to develop large muscles to facilitate everyday movement.
- Chasing Bubble – Nearly all kids love chasing and popping soap bubbles. This fun gross motor development exercise will assist in the development of major muscles as the child chases down bubbles.
- Playing Catch – Most people do not know playing catch is useful in developing gross motor skills. Use a soft foam ball at the beginning and work your way up to tossable items.
- Animal Walk – This activity is surely a giggle producer. Encourage kids to walk like a bear or other animals. This imitation-based game helps with coordination and building upper body strength and awareness.
Improving Mobility
Kids suffering from certain medical conditions associated with muscle weakness have poor or no mobility at all. Game-like activities will target mobility issues in a fun way.
- Yoga – There is a common misconception that yoga is for some who are incredibly flexible. In fact, this practice can be done by people with mobility impairments. Use different props and objects for kids struggling with mobility to help them stretch and relax.
- Dance – Kids are always ready to dance to catchy tunes. Dancing is a fun way to engage kids and provide exercises for a number of muscle groups.
- Playing with Balloons – Kids love playing with balloons, all you have to do is toss it in the air and they will make sure it stays afloat. Change the rules to make it more challenging with feet-only play.
- Swimming – Swimming and pool-based exercises can be a good workout for joints and leg muscles. To ensure proper technique and safety, consider taking swimming lessons near you. These activities can be perfect for kids who have difficulty walking.
Core Strengthening Exercises
Little ones will have fun doing the following pediatric core strengthening exercises
- Stickers on your Foot – Take a balance ball and stickers for this activity. Ask kids to sit on the balance ball and put stickers at the bottom of their feet. Stick the blank paper on the wall and the kid will stick stickers on the wall while staying balanced.
- Making a Basket – This game focuses on strengthening the abdominal muscles. Instruct the kids to lie down on their backs. Next, place a deep, empty basket at the child’s feet and ask them to raise their legs. Put a bean bag between their feet and order them to lower it down into the shallow basket.
Lastly, making a game of pediatric physical therapy will prevent the kids from complaining.
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5 Fun Pediatric Physical Therapy Activities for Kids
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