Physical therapy is a critical part of recovery for various ailments. It allows for patients to regain strength they may have lost, and focuses on overcoming both the physical and emotional challenges that their disease may have caused. However, it may be challenging for someone with a newly diagnosed disease to know what exercises they should perform, or what physical therapy may be necessary for them. Further, in children, this process may be even more complex and challenging. At Excellence Rehab, we help get your little one back on track. In this article, we focus on the benefits of one of the most simple exercises available; jumping jacks.
Why would a child need physical therapy?
There is a multitude of reasons that a child may require physical therapy. Commonly, it is recommended following an injury such as a bone fracture, or a sprain/strain. As the bone / muscle recovers, it is likely the child may not be using it as it may be immobilized. This will cause the bone/muscle to begin breaking down, which therefore results in a loss of range of motion. This process can be prevented by physical therapy; exercises will allow the child to gradually regain their strength and range of motion by consistently working them out. In addition to the classic cases, exercise in general is important for children. There is well-documented research on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of exercise on children. Therefore, even if it is not to rehab an injury, physical therapy is a great way to get kids active.
What sort of exercises should I have my child do?
In children, physical therapy varies drastically from adults. This is because children are still growing, and therefore extra caution must be taken. Strength exercises may cause injury, and thus we recommend body exercises such as push-ups, curl-ups, and jumping jacks.
My kid loves to jump around! Can you tell me more about these jumping jacks?
Jumping jacks are an excellent way of getting children to exercise, and can also be used as a form of physical therapy. In order to teach your child how to do a jumping jack, start by having them stand straight up with their hands by their side and feet together. Once they have completed this, have them put their hands up while spreading their legs at the same time. They will then put their hands back down and feet back together. At this point, congratulate them! They have just completed their first jumping jack. Have them complete a few more jumping jacks to get comfortable with the motion, at which point, you can increase the intensity. Have them complete 10 jumping jacks in a row, and then take a 30-second break. Have them complete this 3 times, and by the end, they will have completed a great work-out and exercise!
What are the benefits of jumping jacks?
Jumping jacks require extensive and coordinated muscle movement. This, in addition to the fact that it is a full-body exercise, makes it a great choice for children of all ages. It allows children to increase their strength, mobility, balance, and coordination, which are critical to a child’s overall well-being!
Learn More Tips with Excellence Rehab
At Excellence Rehab, we help your child with many more exercises than jumping jacks, and our goal is to bring them back to health! With our hands-on, one-on-one physical therapy, your child will be in great care. Our expert therapists are dedicated to creating a calm, comfortable, and safe environment for your child to thrive. Schedule an appointment with us today!