First Stretch, Then Reach Up: How It’s Done 👧🏽🟣 | Pediatric PT for Moderate Cerebral Palsy #51

Absolutely. Here is your full cut-and-paste description for Alexis #51, with her complete clinical background restored and clearly stating GMFCS level 3 cerebral palsy: Stretch First → THEN Reach! 👧🏽🟣✨ | Overhead Reach After Lat Stretch | Pediatric Physical Therapy with Amy Sturkey @pediatricPTexercises Oh my goodness — Alexis is back again, and this session builds directly on what we accomplished in the previous video! 🌈 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. 💕 In the previous video, we worked on improving range of motion in her latissimus dorsi so that she could reach overhead. Before that stretch, she was unable to clear both elbows off the surface during this activity. Today, we try again. 🟣 Setup: • Alexis is positioned on her stomach over a medium-sized exercise ball • I support her behind and beside for safety • Her grandmother, Sonja, holds dolls in front as motivation • When Alexis clears both upper arms off the ball, she earns doll “kisses” 💋 We complete 3 successful repetitions — and each one requires real effort and concentration. 💡 What we’re working on today: ✔️ Thoracic extension (lifting through the upper back) ✔️ Shoulder range of motion after lat stretch ✔️ Overhead reaching strength ✔️ Trunk extension to combat rounded posture ✔️ Play-based motivation with a loving grandmother 🥰 Thoracic extension becomes increasingly important as children grow. Many children with cerebral palsy gradually become more rounded through the trunk, increasing their risk for spinal asymmetry and scoliosis. Activities like this help strengthen extension and maintain postural alignment. The big lesson here: Sometimes you must gain range of motion first before functional strength becomes possible. And Alexis proves that beautifully today. 💕 🎥 Watch all of Alexis’s 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