Still Can’t Get into Sitting? Try This Wedge Setup | Pediatric PT for SMA #18 🚗

🚗 Getting Into Sitting from a Wedge | Pediatric PT for SMA #18 👨🏻‍🦰 In this video, I work with Cillian 👨🏻‍🦰, who is 2 years, 3 months old, on transitioning into sitting using a wedge to encourage more active trunk engagement and left head turning. I’m Amy Sturkey 👩🏼, a retired pediatric physical therapist. In Cillian’s last video, we worked on getting into sitting over my leg. In this session, we progress the activity by using an angled surface (a wedge) to make the transition more active and functional. 📘 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 👉🏽 Watch the full Cillian playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkJbMrHyKjOBUy-rQKVN5ACa37e72liK 🚗 Session Focus Cillian is working on: • Trunk strength • Upper back activation • Rotational control, especially to the left • Head turning to the left • Transitions into sitting with physical assistance Because Cillian has scoliosis and difficulty turning his head to the left, the environment is intentionally arranged to encourage active rotation and looking toward his left side. 💡 What’s Happening in This Session Instead of transitioning over my leg, we use a wedge (you can substitute a couch cushion propped on an angle at home). • Cillian is positioned facing down the wedge. • Toys are placed slightly elevated to his left to encourage head turning. • A car track is raised just enough to promote upper back engagement. • He is encouraged to roll forward and push up into sitting. • I provide support under his arm and at the hip to guide movement while allowing as much active effort as possible. By elevating the toys slightly, I’m finding the highest reach that still allows success — this helps activate the upper back while practicing the sitting transition. This setup allows us to work on getting into sitting while simultaneously addressing trunk rotation, head control, and postural strength. 🧠 Why This Progression Matters Using an angled surface: • Reduces the amount of lift required • Encourages more active push through the arms • Supports graded trunk strengthening • Allows focused visual and rotational work For many children 🧒🏽🧒🏻🧒🏿 with significant weakness, needing hands-on assistance during early transitions is normal and expected. ⚠️ 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 0:30 – Transition progression: from leg to wedge 0:45 – Wedge setup and toy placement 1:05 – Rolling forward on the wedge 1:20 – Assisted push back into sitting 1:40 – Encouraging left head turn with toy placement 2:05 – Trunk and hip assistance 2:30 – Repetition with play 3:35 – Why this setup was chosen 4:10 – Subscribe & notifications