Improving Pencil Grasp Development Through Play Before children are developmentally ready to grasp a pencil correctly, there are milestones they must complete in order to build the necessary strength and fine motor control for proper handwriting. Pre-school age children need to be able to stack blocks, grasp small items, and engage in messy play without…
The Power of Reading: Supporting Language Development in Children Reading to your child is one of the most impactful ways to support their language development, no matter their age. Beyond fostering a love for books, it provides opportunities to expose your child to new vocabulary and creates a special bonding experience between you and your…
Tips for Ankle Injury Prevention and Recovery Ankle sprains are common injuries that mostly occur in athletes, but even non-athletes of any age are susceptible. Studies show that more than two-thirds of those who have sprained their ankle in the past are at risk for repeated sprains or injuries. Many people believe that resting their…
The Importance of Hydration for Your Child Dehydration in children is a significant risk year-round, especially for active kids. Children are at a higher risk of dehydration compared to adults due to their higher surface-to-mass ratio and faster metabolic rates. In simpler terms, because children are more active and have more body surface relative to…
Is Your Modern-Day Lifestyle Contributing to Your Chronic Pain? According to Dr. Casey Means, MD, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Good Energy, it certainly could be—and in many cases, it’s the root cause of chronic pain, inflammation, and disease. In her book, Dr. Means details the various environmental and lifestyle factors that…
10 Fun Summer Activities to Promote Child Development As summer rolls around, finding engaging activities to keep your kids busy and entertained can feel daunting. Luckily, there are countless summer activities you can do at home that are both fun and support important developmental skills. Below are ten therapist-approved ideas that promote child development in…
Making Slime Improves Child Development – Easy DIY Recipe & Benefits Making slime with your child is a fun activity targeting fine motor skills, direction following, sequencing, tactile processing, and emotional regulation. Slime offers a sensory experience while also working on various skill areas that are important for your child’s overall development. Why Slime Supports…
Ice vs. Heat: Which Therapy Should You Use for Pain Relief? Whether to use ice or heat for pain depends on your injury type, stage of recovery, and symptoms. While ice is known to reduce inflammation, swelling, and bruising, heat is best known for increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles. A general rule of thumb—use ice for…
The Importance of Errors in Learning: A Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Perspective As a pediatric physical therapist, I often encourage children and their families to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. In a world that often prioritizes perfection and immediate success, it can be difficult for both parents and children to understand that errors…
Understanding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), often referred to as “runner’s knee,” is a common condition characterized by pain in the front of the knee, around or behind the patella (kneecap). It affects people of all ages and activity levels, but it is particularly prevalent among athletes, especially those…
