Whole Body Vibration for CP Morning Stiffness 👧🏽⚡ | Cerebral Palsy Pediatric PT #53

Whole Body Vibration Before School 👧🏽⚡ | Morning Stiffness Routine | Pediatric Physical Therapy with Amy Sturkey @pediatricPTexercises Oh my goodness — Alexis is back again, and today we’re sharing a family routine that has been making mornings easier for her. 🌅 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 Morning Challenge Like many children with cerebral palsy, Alexis wakes up quite stiff in the morning. That stiffness can make getting ready for school harder. Her family discovered a routine that seems to help her loosen up before arriving at school. ⚡ What They Do While Alexis rides to school in her car seat, they place a whole body vibration platform in the car floorboard. Alexis simply rests her feet on the platform during the ride. Even though the vibration starts at the feet, you can see it travel upward through the body: • ankles • knees • hips • trunk By the time she arrives at school, her family reports she is noticeably looser and more comfortable. ⚙️ About the Vibration Platform The device used here is a consumer vibration plate commonly marketed for exercise or weight loss. Alexis typically uses a setting around 30–40 on the machine scale (about 37 out of 99 on this particular unit). Those numbers are specific to this machine and do not represent a standardized medical intensity or frequency level. 💡 Why This Might Help Whole body vibration may temporarily: ✔️ reduce stiffness ✔️ increase sensory input ✔️ stimulate muscles and joints ✔️ help prepare the body for activity For Alexis, the effect seems to last for the first few hours of the school day, helping her start the day more comfortably. 🎥 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 Uncertainty note: Research on whole body vibration for children with cerebral palsy is still evolving. Optimal intensity, duration, and long-term benefits are not firmly established, so this routine reflects one family’s experience rather than a standardized protocol.