Using Play to boost physical therapy progress

Kaari Pieper, PT, DPT
Clinic Director

Every parent wants to support their child’s development, but sometimes, it may not be clear where to begin. Don’t get me wrong, physical therapy for your child is pivotal to reach short-term and long-term goals and developmental milestones. Lifting and running laps doesn’t sound very fun to most kids. To them, it sounds more like a job. So, if you want to maximize progress, purposeful play is an excellent motivator for kids – after all, play is their primary job.

I recall working with a patient, let's call her ‘Jane’, who was struggling with balance and coordination which affected her ability to play with her friends and siblings. Her parents were looking for ways to help her outside of her physical therapy sessions. I reassured them that Jane was doing great, but there were things they could do to accelerate Jane’s progress outside of our physical therapy sessions. I suggested integrating purposeful play into their daily routine at home and illustrated how it could make a significant difference. Plus, it would be a fun way for them to bond with one another.

Integrating physical activity into daily routines is one of the best methods to get more results from your child’s regular weekly therapy. It doesn't require fancy equipment or extensive training. It’s all about incorporating simple, purposeful activities that promote movement, strength, and coordination. It’s centered around our philosophy here at Prairie Grit: Play with a Purpose.

Here are some practical and enjoyable ways to weave physical therapy into your child’s everyday life:

1. Playful Strengthening Exercises

• Obstacle Courses: Set up a mini obstacle course in your living room using pillows, chairs, and toys. Crawling under ottomans, walking on uneven cushions, and balancing on a line of tape can all help develop strength and coordination.

• Tug-of-War: Use a soft rope or towel for a friendly game of tug-of-war. This activity strengthens core and upper body muscles while also being a lot of fun.

2. Balancing Acts

• Balance Beam: Use a sidewalk chalk to create a balance beam. Encourage your child to walk along the chalk line, practicing balance and coordination. Try walking forwards, sideways and backwards on the lines to address different muscle groups.

• Standing on One Foot: Challenge your child to stand on one foot while brushing their teeth or during a commercial break. Start with a few seconds and gradually increase the time. Make this activity more challenging by standing on a pillow or cushion to challenge ankle stability.

3. Coordination Games

• Ball Play: Rolling, throwing, and catching a ball can improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Use different sizes and textures of balls to keep it interesting.

• Simon Says: Incorporate movements like hopping on one foot, touching toes, or spinning around. This game is excellent for following directions and developing motor planning skills and proprioception.

4. Daily Chores with a Twist

• Laundry Sorting: Have your child help sort laundry by colors or match socks. This task enhances fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, and visual perceptual skills. Carrying, pushing, or pulling heavier laundry baskets is a great way to improve upper body and core strength.

• Grocery Helper: Involve your child in grocery shopping by asking them to push the cart, reach for items, or carry light bags. These activities build strength and endurance.

5. Movement Breaks

• Dance Parties: Put on your child’s favorite music and have a dance party. Dancing is a great way to get moving and improve coordination and endurance.

• Stretching Routines: Incorporate simple stretching exercises into your daily routine, like reaching for the sky, touching toes, or making animal poses.

6. Outdoor Adventures

• Nature Walks: Go for a walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Encourage your child to explore different terrains, like grass, sand, or gravel, to enhance their balance and body awareness. Include going up and down smaller hills to improve lower body strength and endurance. Utilize a scooter or bike for different modes of exercise.

• Playground Play: Visit a local playground and let your child climb, slide, and swing. These activities build strength, coordination, and confidence.

Integrating physical activity into your daily routine can be a seamless and enjoyable process. The key is to make it playful and part of your everyday activities. As a physical therapist, I've seen firsthand how these small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements in a child's physical abilities.

For parents who are new to the idea of physical therapy, starting at home is a great way to build a foundation. If you ever feel that your child could benefit from more structured therapy or if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Prairie Grit Therapy. We're here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Miss Kaari is a Physical Therapist at Prairie Grit Therapy. She’s passionate about helping children reach their goals and their highest level of functional mobility through a family-centered approach. Kaari strives to make therapy a fun, rewarding experience for the children and families she treats and has experience working with patients of all ages with orthopedic, neurologic, and genetic disorders