Hey there, fellow parents in Orland Park, IL! If your kiddo is having a tough time with gross motor skills—like sitting up, crawling, or walking—despite all those physical therapy sessions and home exercises, you’re not alone. It’s super frustrating when it feels like nothing is working. Maybe they tire out quickly, slump over all the time, or just avoid physical activities altogether. It’s a common struggle, and a lot of parents are right there with you, wondering why progress seems to have stalled.
Here’s a twist: what if the usual therapy approaches are missing a key piece of the puzzle? The real issue might be something that traditional pediatric therapies often overlook. It’s not just about weak muscles or low tone.
The Importance of Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are essential for your child’s development and daily activities. These are the big movements that use large muscles in the arms, legs, and core. But there’s more to it than just these muscles. The neck and neurospinal system play a huge role in gross motor skills, and they often don’t get enough attention.
Typically, gross motor development starts with your baby learning to control their head and neck, which is crucial for nursing. As they grow, they work on trunk control through tummy time and rolling over. Next, they start using their core muscles to sit up on their own. From there, they move on to army crawling and regular crawling, which are vital for brain development. Finally, they start cruising along furniture and taking those first steps.
The Missing Piece: The Neurospinal System
Traditional therapies usually focus on muscle strength and coordination, but they often miss the critical role of the nervous system, especially the neurospinal system, in gross motor function. To really get to the root of gross motor issues, we need to look at the “neuro” part. That’s where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care comes in. It can enhance Central Nervous System function in ways that PT and OT can’t.
Problems like subluxation and sympathetic dominance often occur in the neck and neurospinal system, usually because of breech positioning or birth interventions like forceps, vacuum, induction, or c-section. This tension and misalignment can stick around until properly addressed. Essentially, the underlying cause of “low tone” or a “weak core” might actually be tension in the neck and neurospinal system.
A Real-Life Example: Joseph’s Story
Meet Joseph, a 12-year-old who was dealing with challenges from autism, ataxia, and chronic constipation, along with significant gross motor delays.
His mom said, “He will always find a way to slouch, no matter what we do.” Joseph had a hard time sitting up straight, standing tall, and moving without getting exhausted. He was always either “wound up or worn out,” constantly seeking movement through stimming and other behaviors. They had stopped all PT and OT, feeling like they’d hit a wall with his progress.
But then, in just the first week of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, Joseph’s gross motor skills and stamina improved dramatically. He wanted to go to the gym, work out, hit the treadmill, and play at the park! His mom was thrilled, and so was his doctor.
The Path Forward: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
If your child is struggling with gross motor delays and you feel like you’ve tried everything, it might be time to dig deeper. Issues like subluxation, excessive sympathetic tone, and birth trauma effects could still be causing problems.
At our clinic in Orland Park, IL, we can evaluate your child’s gross motor function using Neurological INSiGHT Scans, especially the EMG. With these scan results, our doctors can craft a personalized care plan tailored just for your child. This approach can help your little one move past that plateau and get back on track with their motor development. If you’re not local to Orland Park, IL, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc office near you.
Remember, you’re not alone. By addressing the root cause of your child’s motor delays with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, you can help them unlock their full potential. Don’t lose hope—there are solutions right here in Orland Park, IL, that can make a big difference in your child’s life and help them achieve the milestones they deserve.