Physiotherapy

⸻ 🧩 Goals of Physiotherapy for Down Syndrome Children with Down syndrome typically have low muscle tone (hypotonia), ligamentous laxity, and delayed motor milestones. Physiotherapy aims to: 1. Improve muscle strength and tone 2. Enhance balance and postural control 3. Promote motor skill development (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking) 4. Prevent abnormal movement patterns and joint instability 5. Support independence in daily activities ⸻ 🧘‍♀️ 1. Early Intervention Activities (Infant Stage) Focus: Postural control, head and trunk stability • Tummy time – strengthens neck and back muscles • Supported sitting on therapy ball or caregiver’s lap • Rolling practice – side-to-side rolling with assistance • Weight-bearing on arms – prone on forearms or extended arms • Gentle joint compressions for proprioceptive input ⸻ 🐻 2. Gross Motor Skill Development (Toddler Stage) Focus: Balance, strength, coordination • Crawling on different surfaces (mat, carpet, foam) • Pull to stand using stable furniture • Cruising along support surfaces • Sit-to-stand repetitions • Walking with push toys or walker for supported gait training • Climbing activities (soft steps, foam blocks) ⸻ ⚖️ 3. Balance and Postural Control Activities Focus: Core strengthening and equilibrium reactions • Sitting on therapy ball – gentle rocking side to side • Standing on balance board or wobble cushion • Single-leg standing games • Kicking ball while standing • Stepping over obstacles or cones ⸻ 💪 4. Strengthening Activities Focus: Improve tone and prevent hypermobility-related weakness • Theraband exercises for legs and arms • Wall push-ups or modified planks • Bridging exercises while lying on back • Squats and step-ups on low platforms • Animal walks – bear, crab, frog jumps ⸻ 🚴‍♀️ 5. Coordination and Motor Planning Focus: Improve timing and sequencing of movements • Ball games – catching, throwing, kicking • Dancing or rhythmic exercises to music • Obstacle courses – crawling, jumping, stepping • Trampoline play (with supervision) ⸻ 🧍 6. Gait Training Focus: Normalize walking pattern and stability • Supported treadmill walking (with harness if needed) • Overground walking with feedback • Stair climbing with assistance • Balance beam walking ⸻ 🧠 7. Sensory-Motor & Functional Integration Focus: Combine movement with daily activity • Reaching for toys while standing or sitting • Carrying light objects while walking • Imitation games (copy therapist’s movements) • Play-based therapy to encourage motivation ⸻