EXERCISES FOR TOE WALKERS
As they are learning to walk, many children under the age of two walk on their toes. If a child is reaching his/her third birthday and is still toe walking, it is important to consult your child’s physician. This habitual toe walking can cause muscle shortening if not addressed. There are exercises that can be done to discourage toe walking.
EXERCISES:
1. Have your child lean forward against the wall with his/her feet together and pointed straight at the wall. The child can slide his/her feet toward or away from the wall to decrease or increase the stretch.
2. Yoga poses such as “downward dog” can encourage a nice stretch through your child’s calves. Adjust the child’s feet to point straight forward.
3. Assist your child in walking up a slide/incline.
4. Have your child play “head shoulders knees and toes” while standing on a soft/movable surface such as a pillow or mattress.
5. Encourage your child to participate in multi-sensory activities, especially proprioceptive input. The proprioceptive sense is the input we receive through our muscles and joints. A child may start toe walking when they are nervous or excited. Habitual toe walking can originate because of a sensory need and may result in muscle shortening.
Physical and occupational therapists have various effective treatment interventions that are effective in discouraging toe walking. Contact Val or Lisa Jo if your child needs a physical or occupational therapist’s help!
