Sajid Hussain PT,DPT

31/01/2026

Delayed head control is one of the earliest signs that a baby may need extra support in their motor development. Head control allows a baby to lift, hold and move their head against gravity, forming the foundation for rolling, sitting, crawling and later walking. When this milestone is delayed, it can affect how comfortably and confidently a baby explores their world.

Some babies may struggle to lift or hold their head during tummy time, show a noticeable head lag when pulled to sit or prefer keeping their head tilted to one side. Others may appear floppy or in some cases, unusually stiff. These signs don’t always mean something serious, but they do signal that the body may need guidance to develop strength, balance and coordination.

Delayed head control can be linked to factors such as low muscle tone, prematurity, tight neck muscles or reduced opportunities for movement in early months. The good news is that early physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference. Through gentle, play-based activities, physiotherapy helps strengthen the neck and trunk muscles, improve posture and symmetry, and support smooth progression toward other developmental milestones.

Simple strategies at home, such as short and frequent tummy time, encouraging midline play and supporting active head movement during everyday handling, help babies build strength in a safe and natural way. With the right support and early intervention, most babies show steady improvement and gain the confidence to move, explore and grow.

Early attention to these signs supports healthier movement patterns and gives babies the best start for future development.

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30/01/2026

The small muscles within the foot play a vital role in supporting the arch, maintaining balance and providing a stable base for movement. When these muscles are active and strong, children move with better control, confidence and efficiency.

It is normal for children to experience occasional falls, especially when they are learning to walk or run, going through growth spurts or adapting to new environments or footwear. However, developing good foot strength and control can greatly support balance and reduce unnecessary instability.

Simple exercises that focus on lifting the arch without curling the toes, along with improving toe control, help strengthen the foot and improve ankle stability. Stronger feet support steadier ankles, better posture, and smoother movement during play and daily activities.

Building foot strength early lays the foundation for healthy movement patterns and long-term mobility. Small, consistent exercises can make a meaningful difference in how children move, balance and grow.

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28/01/2026

Learning in the classroom is not only a cognitive task, it is deeply connected to how well a child’s body can support learning. A child who can sit upright comfortably, maintain balance and regulate their movements is better prepared to pay attention, follow instructions and participate actively throughout the school day. Physiotherapy plays a key role in building these physical foundations that directly influence academic performance.

Good postural control allows children to sit at their desks without excessive fatigue. When core and back muscles are weak, children often slouch, fidget or frequently change positions, which can reduce concentration and endurance during lessons. By improving postural strength and sitting tolerance, physiotherapy helps children maintain focus for longer periods.

Body awareness, balance and coordination are equally important in a classroom environment. These skills help children move safely, transition smoothly between activities and feel confident in their bodies. When movement feels controlled and organized, children are less distracted by their own physical discomfort and more available for learning.

Muscle endurance also supports sustained attention. When muscles tire quickly, children may appear restless or inattentive, not because they are disinterested, but because their bodies are struggling to keep up with classroom demands. Strengthening and endurance training help reduce early fatigue and support consistent participation.

Sensory regulation is another important aspect. Some children need movement to stay calm, alert, and emotionally regulated. Planned movement breaks and structured physical activities can help reset attention, reduce restlessness, and improve readiness to learn.

Through postural strengthening, gross motor development, functional skill training and well-planned movement strategies, physiotherapy supports children in becoming more comfortable, confident and regulated in the classroom. When a child’s body is stable and well-supported, the brain is better able to focus, process information and achieve their full learning potential.

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27/01/2026

Low muscle tone in children, also known as hypotonia, means the muscles feel softer and provide less support for posture and movement. It is important to understand that this is not the same as muscle weakness. Instead, the muscles and the nervous system work a little differently together, which can affect how a child moves, sits and plays.

Children with low muscle tone may appear less firm when held, may achieve milestones such as sitting, crawling or walking later than expected and may tire easily during daily activities. You might notice poor posture while sitting, frequent slouching or challenges with balance, coordination and activities like climbing stairs. These signs can be present from birth or may be associated with developmental delays, prematurity, genetic conditions or neurological differences.

Physiotherapy plays a key role in supporting children with low muscle tone. Management focuses on improving strength, postural control, balance and coordination through structured exercises and functional, play-based activities. Therapy also empowers parents by providing simple home-based activities that support progress in everyday routines.

With early physiotherapy intervention and consistent support, children with low muscle tone can build better strength, improve confidence and achieve greater independence in their daily lives.

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25/01/2026

Excessive use of phones and tablets is quietly changing the way children sit, move and hold their bodies. When screens are used for long periods with poor positioning, children may start to bend their neck forward, round their shoulders and rely less on their core muscles. Over time, this can lead to neck and back discomfort, early fatigue, headaches and muscle imbalances that affect daily activities and play.

Healthy posture during screen time is simple but powerful. Sitting upright with the back supported, shoulders relaxed and the screen at eye level helps reduce stress on the neck and spine. Just as important is regular movement short breaks to stretch, stand and move allow the body to reset and stay active.

Physiotherapy plays a key role in prevention and correction through posture education, gentle stretching for tight neck and chest muscles, strengthening of the core and upper back and encouraging active breaks from screens. Supporting good posture early helps protect a child’s growing spine and promotes comfort, confidence and healthy movement habits for the future.

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24/01/2026

Ever wondered why some kids shy away from swings, slides or noisy playgrounds? It could stem from sensory sensitivities to loud sounds, fast movements or heights, challenges with balance and coordination that make them feel unsteady or dizzy or past falls and scary moments that linger. As a physiotherapist, we help through guided, gradual activities to build confidence, addressing sensory and motor challenges so children can feel safe and truly enjoy playtime.

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22/01/2026

Pediatric physiotherapy is not only about exercises; it is about guiding children toward healthy, confident movement through understanding and play.

Many parents ask whether baby walkers help children walk earlier. In reality, walkers can interfere with natural muscle strengthening and balance development, sometimes delaying proper walking patterns. Floor play, supported standing and parent-assisted walking allow children to build strength, coordination and confidence in a safer and more effective way.

For children with autism and sensory processing challenges, purposeful movement plays a vital role. Activities such as swinging, deep pressure input, balance tasks and obstacle courses help regulate the nervous system, improve body awareness and support emotional regulation, all while keeping therapy enjoyable and meaningful.

Movement is equally important for children with ADHD. Structured physical activities, balance games and coordination-based play help improve focus, self-control and attention. Movement is not a distraction it is a powerful therapeutic tool that supports learning and behavior.

Every child develops at their own pace. With early guidance and the right movement strategies, therapy becomes a positive part of daily life and builds strong foundations for the future.

👉📚 https://t.me/PhysiotherapyEBooks

20/01/2026

19/01/2026

Tethered cord syndrome is a condition in which the spinal cord is abnormally attached to surrounding tissues, limiting its ability to move freely as a child grows. This constant stretch on the spinal cord can gradually affect nerve function, leading to symptoms such as back or leg pain that worsens with activity, weakness in the legs, changes in walking pattern, balance difficulties, sensory changes like numbness or tingling, foot deformities, scoliosis and in some cases bladder or bowel control issues. These signs may appear subtly and often become more noticeable as the child grows taller and more active.

Physiotherapy plays an essential role in supporting children with tethered cord syndrome, both before and after medical or surgical management. The main focus is to optimize functional abilities, maintain mobility and prevent secondary complications. Through gentle stretching and range of motion exercises, physiotherapy helps maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Strengthening of the legs, trunk, and core improves postural control, balance and overall stability, which are vital for safe movement and participation in daily activities.

Gait and mobility training is particularly important, as many children experience changes in walking patterns. Physiotherapists work on balance, coordination and posture and when needed, assess and guide the use of mobility aids to promote safe and efficient movement. Just as important is parent and child education, which includes guidance on daily activities, safe movement strategies, energy conservation and recognizing signs that may require medical review.

With early identification and consistent physiotherapy intervention, children with tethered cord syndrome can improve their functional independence, confidence and quality of life, allowing them to participate more fully in play, school and everyday activities.

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18/01/2026

Visual perception is how a child’s brain understands and gives meaning to what the eyes see. It is not just about having clear eyesight, but about how visual information is processed, organized and used to guide movement, learning and daily activities. Strong visual perception skills are essential for a child’s motor development, academic performance and independence.

Children rely on visual memory to remember shapes, objects, letters and places, supporting learning, handwriting and daily routines. Visual discrimination helps them notice differences in size, shape, and color, which is important for reading, matching and organizing tasks. Visual sequential memory allows children to recall information in the correct order, supporting spelling, copying and following multi-step instructions. Visual spatial relations help children understand where their body and objects are in space, directly influencing balance, coordination and safe movement. Visual attention supports focus and task completion, while visual closure helps children recognize incomplete information. Figure ground skills allow children to find what they need in busy environments and form constancy helps them recognize objects even when they look different.

From a pediatric physiotherapy perspective, visual perception is closely connected to posture, balance, motor planning and hand-eye coordination. When these skills are delayed, children may appear clumsy, struggle with sports, have difficulty with writing or avoid movement-based activities. Through play-based therapy, movement exploration, balance challenges and visual-motor integration activities, physiotherapy helps strengthen these skills and supports a child’s confidence and independence.

👉📚 https://t.me/PhysiotherapyEBooks

16/01/2026

14/01/2026

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is a standardized assessment used to evaluate fundamental gross motor skills in children. It focuses on the quality of movement rather than strength or endurance, allowing therapists to accurately understand a child’s motor development level.

👉 Age Group.
TGMD is designed for children aged 3 to 10 years (TGMD-2) and 3 to 11 years in the latest version (TGMD-3).

👉 TGMD is divided into two main components. The first is locomotor skills, which include running, galloping, hopping, horizontal jumping, skipping and sliding.
👉 The second component is ball or object control skills, such as kicking, catching, dribbling, striking and overhand and underhand throwing.

Each skill has specific performance criteria. The child is given two trials for every skill. For each criterion, a score of 1 is awarded if the movement is performed correctly and 0 if it is not performed. The scores for all locomotor skills are added to obtain the Locomotor Raw Score and the scores for all ball skills are added to obtain the Ball Skills Raw Score.

The Total TGMD Score is calculated by adding the Locomotor Raw Score and the Ball Skills Raw Score. This total score reflects the child’s overall gross motor skill performance.

The raw scores are then converted into standard scores, percentile ranks and age-equivalent scores using age-based norms. This helps determine whether the child’s gross motor development is below average, average or above average for their age.

TGMD is widely used in pediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical education and research. It is particularly helpful for identifying motor delays, planning individualized intervention programs, and objectively tracking progress over time.

Overall, TGMD provides a reliable, child-friendly and evidence-based approach to assessing gross motor development and supporting children in building strong foundations for movement, confidence and active participation in daily life.

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