Trunk Weakness? Can't Get into Sitting? Let's Help | Pediatric PT for SMA 🚗

🚗 Getting Into Sitting with Trunk Rotation to the Left | Pediatric PT for SMA 👨🏻‍🦰 In this video, I work with Cillian 👨🏻‍🦰, who is 2 years, 3 months old, on transitioning into sitting while emphasizing trunk rotation and head turning to the left. I’m Amy Sturkey 👩🏼, a retired pediatric physical therapist, and this session focuses on trunk strength, rotational control, and supported movement into sitting during play. 📘 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 Rotational control, especially to the left Head turning to the left Transitions into sitting with physical assistance Because Cillian has scoliosis, this activity is intentionally set up to encourage active rotation and head turning toward his left side during functional movement. 💡 What’s Happening in This Session Families and therapists often ask how to support sitting transitions while also working on trunk rotation. In this video: I sit on the floor in abducted long sitting, with Cillian positioned between my legs Cillian is lowered forward over my right shin and helped to push back up into sitting I intentionally use my shin and calf instead of my thigh to reduce support and encourage more active effort A car track is placed to Cillian’s left He is encouraged to place the cars at the top of the track using his right hand, requiring trunk rotation and head turning to the left I provide physical assistance at the trunk and hips to help guide rotation At times, I assist with my knee to help him rotate while still allowing him to do as much work as possible This setup allows us to work on getting into sitting while simultaneously addressing trunk rotation and postural control. 🧠 Why Trunk Rotation in Sitting Matters Trunk rotation is an essential component of: Postural control Functional sitting balance Future transitions, including kneeling and standing For many children 🧒🏽🧒🏻🧒🏿, needing significant physical assistance during these early transitions is a normal and expected part of development. ⚠️ 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 – Therapy goals: trunk rotation to the left 0:45 – Floor setup and therapist positioning 1:05 – Lowering over the leg to begin the transition 1:20 – Assisted push back into sitting 1:40 – Using the right hand to encourage left rotation 2:05 – Trunk and hip assistance 2:30 – Repeating the movement with play 3:10 – Therapist knee assistance for rotation 3:35 – Why this setup was chosen 3:55 – Closing thoughts 4:10 – Subscribe & notifications