Hip Subluxation? Hip Weakness? Side Sit → Tall Kneel 🐰👨🏻‍🦰 | SMA | Pediatric PT #16

🐰 Not Pulling to Stand Yet? Pulling Up to Knees Comes First | Pediatric PT for SMA 👨🏻‍🦰 In this video, I work with Cillian 👨🏻‍🦰, who is 2 years, 3 months old, on transitioning from low side sit to tall kneel at a bench with hands-on assistance during play. I’m Amy Sturkey 👩🏼, a retired pediatric physical therapist, and this session focuses on building hip and trunk strength through supported, developmentally appropriate movement. 📘 Cillian’s Medical & Therapy Background Cillian was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) through newborn screening. He received Risdiplam by day 5 of life until eligible for Zolgensma, which he received at 5 weeks of age He restarted Risdiplam at 10 months of age Cillian has also been diagnosed with: Nystagmus Cranial asymmetry Scoliosis Hip dysplasia Cillian began physical therapy at 3 months of age and currently receives: Physical therapy Occupational therapy Feeding therapy 🐰 Session Focus Cillian is working on: Hip extension strength Inner and outer thigh activation Trunk and postural control in kneeling 👉🏽 Watch the full Cillian playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkJbMrHyKjOBUy-rQKVN5ACa37e72liK Motivation matters — and for Cillian, the bunny 🐰 is a favorite. By placing the toy just out of reach, we create a natural reason for him to move up and over into tall kneel. 💡 What’s Happening in This Session 👨🏽‍🦱👩🏾‍🦳👩🏻‍🦱 Families and therapists often ask how to support early kneeling skills when pulling to stand isn’t ready yet. In this video: Cillian starts in low side sit at a bench A book (or wedge) is placed under his hips so he doesn’t have to come up from as far He practices moving from side sit into tall kneel He requires a lot of help to be successful Assistance is provided at the pelvis and trunk to guide the movement Therapist knee placement helps prevent him from sliding sideways Once in tall kneel, play continues to help him: Activate his gluteal muscles Maintain an upright trunk Build endurance in the position Because Cillian also has scoliosis, the activity is intentionally set up so that when he comes up, he must look and reach to the left, encouraging trunk activation and postural control. 🧠 Why Tall Kneel Matters Tall kneeling is an important transitional position that supports: Hip and trunk strength Postural control Early movement patterns needed before standing For many children 🧒🏽🧒🏻🧒🏿, pulling up to knees comes before pulling to stand, and needing significant assistance along the way is a normal part of learning. ⚠️ Important Note These videos are educational and are not a replacement for in-person pediatric physical therapy. Every child is unique. Please consult a licensed pediatric therapist before trying new exercises or positioning strategies. I cannot provide individualized treatment without an in-person evaluation. 🌐 Contact / Learn More Website: https://www.pediatricPTexercises.com Facebook: Pediatric Physical Therapy Exercises Email: amysturkey@gmail.com 📚 Books by Amy Sturkey, PT Children’s Educational Books (Amazon) • 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 Pediatric Physical Therapy Books (Amazon) • Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Hips — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156736 • Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Knees — http://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156760 • Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Ankles — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX2ZCFD 💬 Captions / Accessibility Captions were reviewed and corrected for clarity and accuracy. To turn on captions: click CC To change languages: ⚙️ Settings → Subtitles/CC → Auto-translate → choose your language ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: Amy & Cillian 0:15 – Age, SMA, and medical background 0:35 – Therapy goals: hip strength 0:55 – Bunny motivation 🐰 1:15 – Low side sit positioning 1:30 – Bench & book/wedge setup 1:45 – Goal: moving into tall kneel 2:00 – Assisted side sit → tall kneel 2:20 – Sustaining tall kneel with support 2:40 – Hip and trunk activation 3:00 – Reaching to encourage trunk control 3:20 – Repeating the movement 3:40 – Therapist positioning explanation 4:00 – Closing thoughts 4:20 – Subscribe & notifications