Myofascial Release & Total Motion Release Programs

The fascial system works very closely with the muscular system.  Our therapists have seen amazing results from using myofascial release techniques for children with motor delays. 

Babies with torticollis, weakness, scoliosis, or stiffness in their muscles or fascial system can have difficulty properly developing their vision, vestibular, and balance systems. 

They may also have symptoms similar to ADHD, ADD or sensory processing disorder  by the time they are toddlers or preschoolers. 

Babies can have fascial restrictions from birth that lead to these problems and continue to get worse as the child grows, causing pelvic obliquity, limb length discrepancy, torticollis, even progressing to scoliosis, adult arthritic conditions, and spine pain over time.  

Children with pelvic obliquity and leg length discrepancy as little as 1/8” or even mild torticollis can develop scoliosis, be delayed in development of quadruped creeping, balancing, and ambulation skills. 

Children with even minor torticollis or scoliosis can develop delays in vision and sensory processing that cause them to have difficulty with bilateral coordination.  

Physical and Occupational Therapists with advanced training in pediatric myofascial treatment techniques are available at Center of Development.  Pediatric therapy sessions include manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques, as well as traditional strengthening and sensory motor techniques to treat the whole child in a 3 dimensional manner.

Using myofascial techniques has helped children make great gains in improving their developmental skills and balance dramatically.  

Early Intervention is the key to better outcomes!

The earlier we can evaluate and intervene for children 3 and under, the more improved functioning we can see by Kindergarten.  Medically necessary therapies are very different than educational therapies through TEIS or school systems.  Most children need both to make huge gains in development! 

Families rely solely on their pediatrician’s referral for medically based therapies.   

Here are some “red flags” to know when to refer for medically based pediatric therapies.

Gross Motor

Any known medical diagnosis can be considered a “red flag”: Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, congenital heart condition, frequent ear infections, sensory avoiders, low muscle tone or high tone…

Newborn to 3 months old:

• Unable to turn head both ways fully or postures with sidebend of neck and trunk ( Possible torticollis or fascial restrictions causing pelvic obliquity and tightness of neck muscles)
• Breathing erratically, has excessive belly breathing, caving in at chest, appears restless, has excessive tongue thrusting (could be sign of fascial restrictions or high muscle tone)
• Constipated or having difficulty with reflux (could be sign of fascial restrictions in abdomen, pelvis, or chest area)
• Not moving arms and legs equally on both sides, not bringing hands to midline, not making eye contact, maintains arms/legs fully flexed or fully extended position (signs of muscle tone abnormalities)

Six to Nine Months:

• Not rolling by 6 months of age from supine to prone both R and L sides
• Not pushing up on straight arms, lifting his head and shoulders, by 7 months of age
• Not sitting upright in a child-sized chair by 9 months of age
• Not sitting independently by 7 months of age and falls over easily
• Not crawling (”commando” crawling–moving across the floor on his belly) by 9-10 months of age or inability to move legs or arms equally

Ten to Fourteen months:

• Not creeping (on all fours, what is typically called “crawling”) by 11 months of age  or any abnormal creeping patterns like bottom shuffling or scooting. 
• Not pulling to stand by 10 months of age
• Not standing alone by 12 months of age
• Not walking by 14 months of age

Age 2 years and above:

• Not jumping, kicking, catching or throwing a ball by 28 months of age
• Not independent on stairs (up and down) by 30 months of age
• “walking” their hands up their bodies to achieve a standing position
• walking on their toes, not the soles of their feet
• frequently falling/tripping, for no apparent reason
• still “toeing in” at two years of age

For referral information and insurance coverage questions, please call 931-372-2567 Centers of Development

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