Low muscle tone, also known as hypotonia, can be a condition on its own (benign congenital hypotonia) or can be a symptom of another condition, such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. Hypotonia is usually present at birth and is frequently diagnosed in early infancy when the baby appears to have increased flexibility in their joints and poor posture.
Physical and occupational therapists are aware of how low muscle tone disrupts a child’s development. Children with hypotonia have to work harder and may tire more easily. They also may have difficulty sitting for longer periods and meeting developmental milestones.
In Theramoves’ conferences, led by top presenters in the field, you will gain a further understanding of why low muscle tone training in physiotherapy and OT is so important to a child’s well-being. Also, you will gain effective hypotonia intervention strategies when taking continuing education courses on hypotonia.
What is the Role of a PT and OT in Interventions for Hypotonia?
Occupational and physical therapists can tremendously impact the strengthening of children with hypotonia through effective interventions. Below are some common symptoms that are discussed in muscle hypotonia workshops.
Mobility and Posture for Children with Low Muscle Tone
Mobility and posture exercises are geared to help children with hypotonia who present with delays in gross motor skills and coordination skills. Decreased muscle tone also causes problems with ligament and joint laxity. These factors combined will result in the child having decreased endurance, difficulty standing up, or changing posture after being in one position for some time. Other signs of hypotonia may be that the child has a waddling gait and experiences difficulty climbing stairs or climbing around the playground. Or, the child’s sitting posture is observed to be stooped and requires significant leaning or back support to sit for longer periods. These factors should be taken into consideration when the child is in a classroom setting where they are required to be seated for long periods throughout the day.
The ‘W’ Sit
Often children who have low muscle tone also have ligamentous laxity and their sitting is compromised. Therefore, they prefer to sit in a “W” position. This position entails the child sitting on their bottom with knees bent and feet positioned on the side of the hips. In this position, the child relies on the wide base made with their legs to compensate for their decreased core muscle strength that is usually in play during normal sitting positions. Prolonged “W” sitting can cause furrowing out of the hip socket which causes the thighs to turn inwards, later followed by the knees. This turning later causes difficulty in movement as the ball of the hip joint does not attach properly to the socket. A child whose sole sitting position is the “W” may present with crawling and walking difficulty. Hypotonia treatment training focuses on encouraging and constantly reminding the child to sit in a criss-cross, side sit, or long sitting position.
Low muscle tone continuing education courses are suitable for:
- Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Parents/Caregivers
Upcoming Hypotonia/ Low Muscle Tone Continuing Education Courses
Join Theramoves at our upcoming low muscle tone courses, gain CEUS, and continue growing professionally.
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How Do You Improve Low Muscle Tone?
When working on improving low muscle tone in children, it is important to be able to identify the areas where the child struggles and use focused exercises to target those weak points. In low muscle tone/hypotonia therapy training, you will learn about how to assess which areas the child struggles with.
Difficulties with Oral Motor Development
Children with low tone are often seen with open mouth postures leading some to drool. This is a result of muscular hypotonia affecting the oral musculature where there is reduced oral lip seal and limited oral suction needed for swallowing hence, causing saliva to freely flow from the mouth. Reduced oral motor control particularly of the tongue also causes articulation difficulty that alters the child’s communication skills.
Handwriting and Drawing
The art of shaping and curving letters and shapes in writing requires a combination of numerous fine motor skills. These skills include the dynamic tripod grasp which combines the muscles of the palm and fingers in holding the pencil to bring out legible shapes and letters. Children who present with decreased muscle tone, especially in their upper bodies/hands will have compromised graphomotor skills. Often the grasp is compromised as the child tries to find a way to hold the pencil, usually unable to maintain a tripod grasp without some kind of gripper. They may press too hard or too soft when writing. These children also get tired quickly from writing and sometimes can’t keep up the pace in the classroom. In addition, the formation and legibility are usually also compromised.
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FAQs about Hypotonia Workshops
Enroll in Low Muscle Tone Courses with Theramoves
Hypotonia is a condition that hugely impacts a child’s developmental milestones. Professionals and caregivers must be educated about it, as identifying the condition at an earlier stage of life guarantees better outcomes and adaptations for therapy. Here at Theramoves, we are dedicated to educating you on the latest approaches to rehabilitating hypotonia in children. For more information about muscle hypotonia courses or other continuing education courses from Theramoves, feel free to contact Theramoves.
