Can low tone improve? #hypotonic #neuroscience

This is a great example of why I focus more on function and less on diagnosis. Hypotonia means decreased muscle tone. It can be a condition on its own, called benign congenital hypotonia, or it can be indicative of another problem where there is progressive loss of muscle tone, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. It is usually detected during infancy but kids may not get a diagnosis until 3-4 years old.
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As a physical therapist, I don’t diagnose kids, but I can base my assumptions on 25 years of experience. Every child is an individual and different in their strength and tone patterns. In this particular example I don’t think pushing for a diagnosis is important. As her brain matures, and as neuroplasticity takes over, I do think her strength and tone will improve. A home exercise is a must and her mom is fully prepared going home after her AKAP Intensive.
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Tone, whether it’s high tone or low tone, is neurological. Although you cannot change muscle tone, you can work on strengthening exercises to make your child stronger, meet milestones, improve posture, and improve endurance for play and gross motor skills.
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This sweet pea took 4 steps and worked so hard during her intensive. I can’t wait for an update when she heads to preschool soon.
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What are some of your questions about tone?
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#babydevelopment #baby #toddleractivities #walking #pediatricphysicaltherapy #pediatrics #babydevelopment

Hi, I’m Dana and I have been a pediatric physical therapist for 25 years. You can read more about my practice at the top of my channel.
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I see kids for a lot of different disabilities including developmental delay, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, genetic disorders, dystrophies, and more. I cannot give individualized medical advice on social media and you need your doctors permission to try any exercises with your child. A therapist needs to be trained in order to perform these highly skilled exercises.
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I see kids for intensives in Cary, North Carolina for 1,2, or 3 weeks for 2 visits per day. We are able to show a lot of progress with our little patients and I share that to bring hope to other parents around the world. You can find booking information at the link at the top of my channel. We also accept donations for kids that may not be able to pay for therapy. Please see 502(c)(3) link at top of channel.
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I don’t share diagnoses or personal info of each child on my page because kids aren’t defined by their diagnosis. It’s my philosophy and you can read more about it on my website which is linked at the top of my channel.
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Remember, there is an order on my page if your child is struggling with gross motor skills. Go to Instagram:
1. always start with AKAP stretch highlights (highlights are colored circles at top of Instagram page).
2. Learn about the TLR reflex in my reflex highlights.
3. Head control must come first. Watch head control highlights.
4. Lastly, watch the highlight on Instagram associated with the gross motor skills you are working on. For example: sitting.
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#allkidsareperfect

[CynthiaAgnes-Renfro-moxh]

She's the CUTEST little Ginger I've ever seen! Those curls, the bow, her little wave, that fighting spirit ... she's amazing! A real life DOLL! 🥰👏🏽

[ZooZoo]

Yes, low muscle tone can improve! A friend's baby was born at 1lb and fortunately low tone was the only issue. With intense PT like you provide, she went from crawling to running! Nothing can stop her now. ❤

[Sandrab]

You are an amazing therapist for many children. I, for one, want to thank you for the work you and many other therapists do for many children. We are blessed to have each one of you in our lives. I’m also grateful for the teachers!

[apriljones]

I was born with hypotonia and wish I had access to a therapist like you when I was little!

[sachamess]

awww, the way she waved is absolutely adorable 🥹💕

[ThatGirl-kudq]

Oh my goodness, she’s absolutely adorable.

[FarReacher]

Gorgeous! It amazes me how they respond to supports to their development and how they work together there.

[kaleidoscope]

God bless people working with children.

[lisac]

I love watching these and your confidence in these sweet babies!! Your hard work must cost you a great deal a saint. 💕

[iorickpel]

Hello. You are so physically involved helping these childs. It's so beautiful. You're the Valkyrie of health. Respect from France, Marseille. ❤. ( by the way... you're voice...❤)

[capetownrocks]

Love it when you provide the narrative. Love hearing the little 1 engage verbally too. Thanks 4 posting ...absolutely love the work you do

[l.o.]

Thank you for all your work and for giving parents hope for a brighter future!💖🙏🏽

[Sassysongstress]

Oh my goodness GRACIOUS ❤❤❤❤that RED HAIR! She is ADORABLE 😊😊😊😊😊!

[squarebob]

Awsome !!! The use of that board is wonderful idea that I have never seen. WOW

[MaryNyannibah]

You guys are amazing, u give me hope for my baby girl ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[amysupernaw]

OMG she is just the cutest oh my God! I absolutely love her red hair. She’s so beautiful. Her little “hi” and “baby” and the wave omg so precious ❤

[vzklxmd]

Ich finde sie toll wie sie ihrer Arbeit mit Leib und Seele machen ❤ ich schaue ihre Videos und denke das sie ein wunderbarer Mensch sind.

[lovekishorbista]

I wish i had this kind of patience and dedication. Hats off to your work

[samwolf]

Such a cutie, she's going to be charging round in no time ❤

[viscerallove]

what a beautiful child 💛 good luck on her journey