Pediatric Occupational Therapy for Hypotonia in Chicago, IL
Does your child feel “floppy” when you pick them up, tire easily during play, or struggle to reach motor milestones such as crawling, sitting, or walking? These can be signs of low muscle tone, a condition that can make it harder for children to move, balance, or meet their motor milestones.
At SensAble Kids in Chicago, IL, our pediatric occupational therapists help children with low muscle tone improve their stability, balance, and coordination so they can move with confidence in any environment. Through encouraging, play-based sessions, we support your child’s physical development while helping them discover their abilities.
What Is Hypotonia?
Hypotonia is a condition where a child’s muscles are less firm than expected, which can cause a decreased resistance to movement and make movements feel less steady or controlled. It does not mean the child is weak or lacks muscle strength:
- Muscle strength is how much force a muscle can produce. It affects how well a child can push, pull, lift, climb, or hold their body against resistance. A child with good strength can generate solid power during movement.
- Muscle tone, on the other hand, is the natural tension in a muscle when the body is at rest. Tone helps the body maintain posture, stay steady, and respond quickly to movement. It’s what keeps a child’s body from feeling limp or overly flexible.
Low muscle tone can make everyday tasks like holding their head up, sitting upright, or keeping good posture much more challenging for children. But with the right guidance, children with hypotonia can develop the motor skills they need to participate fully in daily activities.
Common Signs of Hypotonia
Children with low muscle tone may show signs such as:
- Feeling “floppy” or overly flexible when held
- Difficulty maintaining upright posture
- Delays in rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking
- Poor balance or coordination
- Fatigue during play, walking, or climbing
- Challenges with fine motor tasks like grasping toys or using utensils
- Open-mouth breathing or limited oral-motor skills
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Treats Hypotonia
Pediatric occupational therapy helps your child build the stability, coordination, and motor skills they need to participate confidently in daily routines. Our therapists create personalized, play-based sessions that support motor development while helping your child have fun and feel encouraged.
Depending on your child’s specific needs, their treatment may include:
- Strengthening and postural control activities to support sitting, reaching, balance, crawling, and other foundational motor skills
- Functional movement practice for everyday activities like getting dressed, writing, climbing stairs, and participating in school or playground routines
- MNRI® Therapy to support foundational reflex patterns, improve postural control, and help your child’s body activate muscles more effectively
- Craniosacral therapy, a gentle hands-on technique used to reduce tension, support alignment, and improve overall body organization for smoother, easier movement
By combining traditional pediatric occupational therapy with specialized techniques, we help children with hypotonia strengthen their bodies, build confidence, and participate more fully in daily life.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
If your child is showing signs of low muscle tone or is struggling with motor milestones, early support can make a meaningful difference. Contact SensAble Kids in Chicago, IL, today to schedule a pediatric occupational therapy evaluation. We’re here to help your child grow stronger, steadier, and more confident every day.