Can’t Reach Up? Cerebral Palsy? Try This Fun Shoulder Activity 👧🏻⚾ | Moderate CP PT #59

👋🏽 Hi, I’m Amy Sturkey, a retired pediatric physical therapist with over 35 years of experience. Please meet my wonderful co-instructor, Alexis Sanderson 👧🏻💕 (age 12). Alexis has GMFCS level 3 cerebral palsy. She communicates non-verbally using a communication device and has an excellent understanding of everything said to her. ✨ Functionally, Alexis: • Walks well with trunk support • Walks fairly well with two hands held • Walks short distances with one hand held • Walks in a walker (with help to steer) • Uses a wheelchair for longer distances • Is learning to drive a power wheelchair In this video, we work on improving shoulder range of motion and active reaching with her left arm through a playful throwing activity on the couch. 🛋️⚾ ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:21 Why shoulder range of motion becomes difficult in cerebral palsy 0:41 Reaching high overhead with the left arm 1:02 Using active movement after stretching work 1:16 Blocking trunk compensation during reaching 1:28 Why this task is too difficult with the right arm 1:50 Trying to release and throw the ball 2:01 Why functional movement practice matters 2:12 Subscribe information ⚠️ The Movement Challenge As children with cerebral palsy grow older, tightness can gradually develop around the shoulders and chest. One important muscle involved is the latissimus dorsi (“lat”) muscle, which can pull the arms downward toward the body. This can make it difficult to: • Reach overhead • Put on shirts or coats • Wash hair • Access the environment functionally Without intentional movement practice, shoulder range can slowly become more limited over time. 🧠 What I’m Working On In this activity, I hold a small ball high overhead and slightly to Alexis’s left side to encourage active reaching with her left arm. To help her truly use shoulder movement instead of compensating: • I block her from leaning backward • I support her trunk from behind • I encourage reaching upward instead of “cheating” with posture changes This helps isolate more true shoulder flexion and overhead range. 🧩 The Activity The setup is simple: ⬆️ Reach up high for the ball ✋ Grasp the ball 🎯 Throw it toward Guy behind the camera Alexis and I laugh together throughout the activity, which helps keep the movement motivating and fun. 💕 The reaching portion is challenging because it requires: • Shoulder flexion • Active muscle control • Trunk stability • Hand opening and grasping The throwing portion adds another layer of motor planning and release practice. 💡 Why This Matters I often work on passive stretching first, but passive range alone is not enough. Children also need opportunities to actively USE the range they gain in functional and meaningful activities. This type of practice can help: • Maintain overhead shoulder mobility • Improve active reaching skills • Support dressing and daily activities • Encourage motor planning and participation 💡 Takeaway Sometimes the best exercises are the simplest ones. A small toy, playful interaction, laughter, and repetition can create meaningful opportunities for movement and functional practice. ✨ 🎥 Watch All Alexis Videos (Playlist) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkJbMrHyKjNQyu5vJsft6bWiGCmEU-nR 🌐 More from me Website: www.pediatricPTexercises.com Facebook: Pediatric Physical Therapy Exercises 📧 Email: amysturkey@gmail.com ⚠️ Important note These videos are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for in-person pediatric physical therapy. Every child is unique. I cannot provide treatment recommendations for a child I have not personally evaluated. For specific guidance, please consult a local pediatric physical therapist. 📚 Books by Amy Sturkey (Amazon) Children’s Books: P is for Poop and Pee Accidents — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLSRJ483 A is for Anxiety — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LXQ3W6V A is for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QH9H5HR C is for Cerebral Palsy — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088TSJCYP D is for Down Syndrome — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P8HH49 A is for Autism — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F4FFTB Professional PT Books: Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Hips — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156736 Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Knees — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156760 Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Ankles — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX2ZCFD