Crouched? Fix It with This Simple Reach Down & Stand Up Exercise 👧🏽💪🏽 | Moderate CP PT #58

👋🏽 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 standing taller while reaching and returning to upright. 💕 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 Alexis has developed a crouched standing posture, which makes it difficult for her to fully extend her hips and knees. For children with cerebral palsy 👧🏽👧🏻👧🏿, this often leads to: • Tight hamstrings • Difficulty standing tall • Reduced efficiency with walking Standing upright is not just about posture—it directly impacts function. 🎬 Cue the effort. 🧠 What I’m Working On I position Alexis with her legs backed up to the chair for stability. From there, I: • Place my shins in front of her shins to block forward collapse • Use my chest at her hips to guide her into a taller position • Support her as she moves between leaning down and returning to standing This setup allows her to safely practice standing more upright. 🧩 The Activity We use a simple but powerful task with rings: • Alexis leans forward to pick up rings from a low bench • Then returns to standing to place them on a stander This creates repeated movement between: ⬇️ Controlled forward lean ⬆️ Upright standing Each repetition gives a dynamic stretch to her hamstrings while she is actively engaged. When the rings drop, we problem-solve together—placing them where she can succeed and following her lead, even when she communicates nonverbally. 🎉 The Motivation The task itself becomes the motivation. By keeping the activity achievable and interactive, Alexis stays engaged through a very challenging movement pattern. 💡 Why This Matters Working in this supported upright position helps: • Improve hip and knee extension • Provide a dynamic hamstring stretch • Build strength in functional positions • Support better standing and walking over time 💡 Takeaway Sometimes the best way to stretch is not passive—but through meaningful movement. Support the child, create success, and let the repetition do the work. 🎥 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