Crouched? Fix It with This Simple Reach Down & Stand Up Exercise 👧🏽💪🏽 | Moderate CP PT #57

👋🏽 Hi, I’m Amy Sturkey, a retired pediatric physical therapist with over 35 years of experience. Oh my goodness — Alexis is back again, and this time… we’re working on one of the hardest transitions: getting up from the floor through half-kneel. 💕 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 Her determination, focus, and spark shine through in every session. 💕 ⚠️ The Movement Challenge Getting up from the floor through half-kneel requires the legs to do different things—one bent, one up. For children with cerebral palsy 👧🏽👧🏻👧🏿, this can be very difficult. Many prefer both legs doing the same thing (both straight or both bent), rather than separating them. As you’ll see in this video… even a small difference between the legs is a big challenge. 🎬 Cue the effort. 🧠 What I’m Working On I support Alexis from behind in tall kneeling and help guide her into a partial half-kneel by bringing her left leg forward (her more flexible side). From there, I: • Provide trunk support to help her stay upright • Assist with weight shifting • Help her push up into standing We’re not getting a full half-kneel yet—but we are building the pattern. And then comes the motivation… 🎉 The Reward Alexis LOVES to hide and pop out. Using a simple blanket, we turn a very hard task into something fun—giving her a reason to work through the effort. 💡 Why This Matters While it’s easier to bring a child up from lying on their back, working through half-kneel helps: • Maintain range of motion • Build strength • Improve real-world floor-to-stand transitions These are critical skills for long-term independence. 💡 Takeaway Every child has something that motivates them. For Alexis, it’s the joy of hiding and popping out. That motivation makes the hard work possible. 🎥 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