Down syndrome, sometimes called Trisomy 21, is one of the most common chromosomal genetic disorders, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 babies born in the U.S. Most experience developmental and physical delays, and often have several physical conditions that require additional treatment.
There are many ways our Akron physical therapy services can help children with Down syndrome, working with them from infancy through adulthood to help them reach their maximum level of functioning and go on to lead healthy, productive lives.
Babies born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, altering the typical development of both the brain and body and resulting in varying ranges of both intellectual and physical challenges.
Down Syndrome Therapy Ideas, Exercises And Activities
Therapy & Wellness Connection offers Akron physical therapy in your home, school or work environment, working side-by-side with our patients and their families to help sidestep or minimize some of the most common complications of the condition, such as obesity and developmental delay, as well as help improve and maintain cardiovascular fitness, as between 40 and 60 percent of those with Down syndrome suffer some type of congenital heart disease.
One of the defining physical characteristics of Down syndrome is low muscle tone, lower bone density, decreased strength and trouble with posture/balance – all of which can delay motor development (movement). They also frequently have problems with feeding and hand use challenges, and sometimes intense pain from joint problems. Each of these can be addressed and improved with help from our Akron physical therapy services.
The good news is that many teens and adults with Down syndrome go on to be active participants in family and community activities, leading lives that are both active and productive.
Benefits Of Akron Down Syndrome Physical Therapy
Our dedicated physical therapists work with individuals, families and other health care providers to reduce the impact of these conditions – in some cases preventing them from developing in the first place. Best results are when a child is receiving adequate medical services and supportive home and educational environments that incorporate physical therapy.
Physical therapists work to help children with this condition improve their muscle strength, coordination, movement, balance and gain their peak level of independence in activities of daily life.
Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides physical therapy to children with Down syndrome in Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Akron and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email. Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States. It affects 1 in 700 babies born each year. In the U.S. and other developed countries, the average life span for people with DS has improved in recent decades. It is currently about 60 years. Most children with DS take longer than average to meet developmental milestones. Children with DS benefit from various forms of support. They achieve their best potential when they:
Physical Therapy For Down Syndrome
Physical therapists work with people with DS from infancy through adulthood. They help them function as independently as possible during different phases of life. Physical therapists help people with DS gain strength and enjoy movement to benefit their overall health. Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To locate a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
Every U.S. state and territory offers early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Visit the ECTA Center to find your state program’s contact information.
Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder in which babies have an extra copy of chromosome 21. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes or 46 chromosomes in each cell. However, most babies with DS have three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two copies. Chromosomes determine how a baby grows in the mother's womb and how the body functions after birth. An extra copy of chromosome 21 causes changes in the development of the child’s brain and body. This results in differences in cognitive and physical function.
A Primer On Certain Conditions In Kids & Physical Therapy — Lumiere Children's Therapy
Type 1. The most common type of DS is called nondisjunction trisomy 21. This type of DS occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 21 in the fertilized egg. As the baby develops, the extra chromosome gets copied into every cell in the body.
Type 2. About 4% of all people with DS have type 2, or translocation trisomy. In this type, part of chromosome 21 breaks off during cell division of the fertilized egg. It then attaches to another chromosome. The chromosome total is still the expected 46, but the extra part of chromosome 21 causes DS characteristics.
Type 3. Mosaic trisomy 21 occurs in about 1% of persons with Down syndrome. This type of DS develops when an error occurs in one of the cell divisions of the fertilized egg. Not all cell divisions are affected. Some of the baby's cells contain 46 chromosomes, which is typical, but others contain an extra copy of chromosome 21. People with mosaic DS typically present with fewer DS characteristics.
Travel Physical Therapy With Patients Who Have Down Syndrome
Down syndrome may be found during pregnancy through diagnostic tests. When not found before birth, DS usually is noticed at birth based on physical traits. These may include:
They may develop and use language more slowly. Often children with DS need more time to learn complex movements like hopping on one foot or riding a tricycle. When movement is hard, children with DS may opt to stay inactive and are more likely to gain excess weight.
About half of the babies born with DS will have congenital heart disease. This may be found at birth or shortly after. Children with DS also may experience problems with their vision and hearing, in addition to muscle, bone, and joint issues. Pediatric doctors follow specific guidelines for children with DS. Your child's doctor will check for any of these potential problems. Research supports monitoring the hip joints by a bone and joint specialist.
The Importance Of Pediatric Physical Therapy
From the teen years and into adulthood, people with DS may be more likely to develop other conditions compared with the general population. These include:
A doctor-ordered blood test to analyze a person's chromosomes is used to diagnose all types of DS. For people with DS, or suspected DS, a physical therapist can identify and diagnose problems such as:
The physical therapist is an important partner in health care and fitness for anyone diagnosed with DS. Physical therapists help people with DS:
Pediatric Therapy For Children With Down Syndrome
Physical therapists use play to help babies and children learn motor skills. They work with teens and adults to help them develop functional skills needed for daily home and job tasks and to enjoy hobbies and leisure activities. Physical therapists help children with DS gain strength through fun treatment activities that improve their ability to move and stay active.
Your child's physical therapist will perform a full evaluation. It will begin with gathering information about your child's birth and development, general health, and any parental concerns. The evaluation also will include a physical exam and a motor skills assessment. Your physical therapist will then develop a treatment program specific to you or your child's needs and goals. Your physical therapist will work with you and your child to create goals around the six F words: family, friends, fun, fitness, function, and future.
When children with DS become teens and adults, the physical therapist will focus on the patient’s goals and concerns, looking to the parent or caregiver for input as needed.
Physical Therapy: An Enormously Beneficial Tool For Children With Down Syndrome!
Physical exam. The physical exam may include measuring your child's height and weight, observing movement patterns, and providing a hands-on assessment of:
Your physical therapist may assess your child's heart health and fitness. They also may evaluate their foot and ankle postures and note any need for supportive footwear.
Motor skills assessment. Your physical therapist will do specific tests to determine the level and quality of your child's movement skills. They will assess your child's ability to sit, crawl, kneel, pull up from sitting to standing, and walk. They also may assess more advanced skills like running, jumping, or kicking and throwing a ball. Children with DS often find creative ways to move and position their bodies that cause added stress to the bones and joints. Your physical therapist will address any movement habits of concern. They also may screen for any problems with your child's hand use, vision, learning, and other developmental skills.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Children With Down Syndrome
Treatment program development. Based on the evaluation, your physical therapist will design a treatment program specific to your child that may include:
Because children learn habits from their parents, it is important to develop active family routines that limit sitting. Physical activity guidelines for preschool-aged children recommend three or more hours per day of active play or physical activity. Children ages 6 to 17 need 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous exercise to achieve health benefits. For adults, the recommended amount of moderate to vigorous activity is 30 minutes or more per day or 150 minutes per week.
Physical therapists promote the most physically independent future by encouraging family involvement, active routines, and
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