Sensory Innovations

09/27/2025

Incase you hadn't heard, Sensory Innovations isn’t just for therapy!

Our sensory-friendly facility is available to rent for your next event or gathering! Whether you’re planning:
🎉 Birthday parties
🎬 Movie nights
📚 Homeschool co-ops
🎓 Graduations
🤝 Meetings or community events

…we’ve got the perfect space for kids and families to connect, play, and celebrate.

With unique equipment, flexible spaces, and a safe, welcoming environment, your event will be both fun and stress-free.

✨ Contact us today to learn more about availability and rental options.

09/26/2025

Crossing midline (using one side of the body across the centerline) is a foundational skill for reading, writing, and overall coordination.

When this skill is underdeveloped, you might see signs like:
▫️ Switching hands at mid-page when writing
▫️ Difficulty tracking words across a page
▫️ Challenges with coordinated movements in play or sports

Why it matters: Crossing midline builds the brain’s ability to share information across both hemispheres. This creates smoother eye tracking, better bilateral coordination, and greater fluency in reading and writing.

Therapy activities like figure-8 tracing, crawling, and rhythmic bilateral play are powerful tools to strengthen this brain-body pathway.

09/23/2025

Low muscle tone is not the same thing as muscle weakness.

A child with low tone may have plenty of strength, but their body doesn’t automatically activate muscles for postural support. This means everyday tasks—like sitting upright at a desk, climbing playground equipment, or even holding a pencil—can take extra effort.

What this often looks like:
▫️ Frequent “slouching” or leaning on the desk
▫️ Avoiding playground activities that require stamina
▫️ Struggling to stay upright during seated tasks

In therapy, we focus on building automatic postural endurance—so kids don’t have to think about holding themselves up. Instead, they can save their energy for what really matters: learning, exploring, and playing. 💪💡

09/21/2025

Our physical therapy team goes beyond the basics at Sensory Innovations! 💪

We don’t just focus on walking or movement—we help kids build the strength, balance, and coordination they need for everyday life. That might look like:

✨ Improving core stability so sitting in class is easier
✨ Strengthening muscles for climbing, running, and playing without fatigue
✨ Building motor planning skills so sports and playground time feel more fun, not frustrating
✨ Supporting proper gait patterns and posture to prevent future pain or injury
✨ Enhancing balance and coordination to boost confidence and independence

Everyone's journey is unique, and our PTs tailor sessions to meet each person where they are—making therapy fun, purposeful, and empowering.

09/19/2025

Sensory overload isn’t always about noise.

For some kids, it might be:
✨ Bright or flickering lights
✨ Scratchy clothing tags
✨ Strong smells from food or cleaning products
✨ A room packed with visual clutter

When the nervous system is overwhelmed, what looks like a “tantrum” may actually be a cry for sensory relief. Creating calmer spaces, offering clothing choices, or reducing background stimuli can make a world of difference for a child’s comfort and regulation.

At Sensory Innovations, we help families understand these hidden triggers and give kids the tools they need to thrive. Schedule an appointment with us today if you're looking for some assistance!

09/17/2025

Hey parents! We've got something for YOU today 👀

The way you pick up, carry, and play with your child can have a big impact on your body. Parents often experience back, shoulder, and wrist pain from repetitive movements—but small adjustments can make a huge difference.

✅ When lifting your child
Bend at your knees, not your back.
Keep your child close to your body as you stand.
Avoid twisting—turn with your feet instead.

✅ When playing on the floor
Use a small cushion or supportive seat instead of kneeling or rounding your back for long periods.
Try “tummy time” together by lying on your side or back instead of hunching forward.

✅ When carrying your child
Alternate sides to reduce strain on one hip or arm.
Baby carriers should distribute weight evenly across your shoulders and hips.

✅ During everyday tasks
Raise changing tables, cribs, or play areas to a comfortable height when possible.
Use supportive footwear if you’re on your feet a lot.

Taking care of your own body is just as important as taking care of your child. Healthy parents = more energy, less pain, and more fun with your little ones. What questions do you have?? 👇

09/16/2025

Good Morning Families of Sensory Innovations!

Just a reminder that our office will be closed today 9/16/25 from 12-1pm for lunch today.

We do apologies for the inconvenience!

Send a message to learn more

09/15/2025

🌟 At Sensory Innovations, here’s what we currently offer:

✨ Sensory Camps
✨ Sensory Classes
✨ Sensory Fitness
✨ Sensory Connect for Parents & Kiddos
✨ In-House OT & PT Services
✨ Sensory Events (private parties/reservations)

We’d love to hear from you — what events would YOU like to see us host next? Drop your ideas in the comments! 👇

09/15/2025

Hello Families,
Heads up of upcoming closure
We will be closed for lunch 12pm-1pm Tuesday 9/16. For any questions feel free to call our office at 530-780-5559.
Thanks again Families!

Send a message to learn more

09/13/2025

Bouncing on a therapy ball isn’t just fun—it actually helps kids build core strength, improve balance, and regulate their sensory systems! 🏀💪

When kids move in rhythmic, repetitive ways (like bouncing, swinging, or rocking), it activates the vestibular system in the inner ear. This system plays a huge role in focus, coordination, and body awareness. That’s why short “movement breaks” can make such a big difference in attention and learning!

At Sensory Innovations, we love using movement activities to help kids thrive. The best way to learn starts with play!

09/11/2025

Did you know a simple plate can help kids explore new foods?

For children who struggle with oral motor skills or have food sensitivities, the color wheel plate can make mealtime less stressful and more playful.

Here’s how it works:
✅ The plate is divided into colorful sections, each holding a different type of food (bonus: start with safe foods, meaning foods your child likes, and then add in some unliked/unexplored foods around it).
✅ The colors add a visual cue and sense of fun, turning eating into an “exploration” game instead of pressure.
✅ Kids are encouraged to touch, smell, lick, or taste foods in each section—building oral motor strength and confidence step by step.

✨ Why it’s effective:
✅ Provides structure for picky eaters who feel overwhelmed when foods touch or mix.
✅ Builds oral motor skills by introducing a variety of textures in small, safe amounts.
✅ Encourages curiosity—kids see eating as a process of discovery, not something to fear.

We’ve seen great success using the color wheel plate in therapy. Some children who once resisted new textures are now trying and enjoying foods they never would have touched before!

09/09/2025

🎉 Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate? 🎉

Host your next birthday party, graduation, field trip, or even a cozy movie night right here at Sensory Innovations! ✨

You get to choose:
🌟 Option One – $175 for 2 hours (up to 20 guests) in our Party Room (drop-in play still open to the public)
🌟 Option Two – $315 for 2 hours (up to 20 guests) for a Closed Event (facility all to yourselves!)

Call today to book your party—we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎂🎈