Reaching the next milestone: ground to standing

Getting into a standing position independently is a massive and exciting milestone for a developing child. The progression of developing this important skill goes from the child pulling to stand at support with their hands, to standing up with support at the hips, to standing up independently and hands-free. In this post, we will cover pulling to stand.

The height level of the support surface that a child pulls to stand is a big factor in determining successful standing. Generally, the higher the surface, the more support that it will provide, making it easier to pull into standing. Using the couch (with the seat cushions in place) is a common place to start. Place toys of interest at the elevated surface to draw the child’s attention. Ideally, this should draw the child towards the couch and crawl up the face of the couch and place them in a kneeling position with their hands on-top of the couch. From here, encourage the child to take a step forward with a foot into a half kneeling position, then stand up from this position. Hands-on support can be provided throughout these movements to help the child along. As this transition becomes easier, lower the support surface; this can be easily done by removing the couch cushions, and progressing to even lower support like a step stool. As the support decreases, there is more demand on the legs and balance to stand up, driving the strengthening process.

Once the child is up and standing at support, the previous activities discussed in the previous post can be easily practiced to bring together all of their skills. After they have spent some time standing and need a rest, the transition to the floor is essentially reversed: standing to half kneeling, and half kneeling to high kneeling.

Next post will continue with the theme of standing up, but this time without using the hands to pull for help.

By: Chris Dahiroc PT.

 

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Tips for the Travelling Passenger

As is usual for many of us in the summer we usually end up spending some time sitting as passengers during our travels. Whether it’s in the car off to the cottage, road trips or via plane. Common issues we hear most about associated with long travels are the aches and pains we experience with prolonged sitting. As is the case for some that sit at a desk for 8 hours a day. Our bodies don’t respond well to such prolonged times sitting. Moving around helps increase the blood flow to our muscles and joints as well as maintain our joints natural lubrication.

 

Here are some tips and exercises to help ease those ages and pains when you are about on your travels as a passenger this summer:

  1. Aim to get up and walk around every 30-60 minutes
  2. Keep your legs moving on the spot by doing some marching and heel raises
  3. Slide your heels back and forth
  4. Pump your ankles by pointing your toes up and down
  5. Curl and extend your toes
  6. Keep your back from stiffening up by tilting your pelvis forwards and backwards.
  7. Avoid neck stiffness by turning your head side to side looking over each shoulder and bringing your ear to your shoulder on both sides.
  8. Roll your shoulders forwards and backwards
  9. Make a fist and extend your fingers
  10. Bend and extend your elbows

 

Basically, keep your muscles and joints moving every 30 minutes!

 

Please remember those exercises may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult your health care practitioner with any issues or concerns before doing any exercises.

 

By: Nelly Temraz P.T.

 

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A helpful variation to carry a car seat

This video made by a chiropractor has gone viral and for good reason. The chiropractor demonstrates a good way to carry a car seat without putting as much stress into the shoulder girdle, hip, leg and back.  It distributes the weight differently. 

However, with that being said, do I think this technique should be used for when the travel seat is used for long distances.  No, because it still one-sided distribution of the weight. For shortened distances like transferring the travel seat from the house to the car and vice versa, it is recommended.  

Once again if you know that you are travelling long distances and are able to take your stroller or even a baby carrier with you, do so. 

 

 

By: Dr. Teesha Geevarghese (B.Sc., D.C.) Chiropractor

To learn more about Chiropractic care click here!

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