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Tag: torticollis

Total Motion Release (TMR) for Kids: A Gentle Approach to Healing and Movement

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Enhancing Children’s Movement and Posture with Total Motion Release (TMR)

When it comes to helping children improve their movement and posture, Total Motion Release (TMR) is an innovative technique that can make a significant difference. Designed to reduce tightness or restrictions in the body and improve overall alignment, TMR works by using simple, gentle movements to help children feel better, move more freely, and regain their balance.

What is Total Motion Release (TMR)?

Total Motion Release (TMR) is a specialized therapy technique focused on promoting healing through ease rather than forcing movement. The approach works by utilizing specific movement patterns that are easy for the child to perform. These natural movements are applied to the tight or restricted areas of the body—such as the trunk and limbs—to increase flexibility, reduce discomfort, and restore more symmetrical movement patterns.

TMR is all about helping the child’s development by restoring symmetry of movement and improving motor control into full range of motion. By targeting both the extremities (arms, legs) and the trunk, TMR assists in balancing muscle activation and restoring proper alignment. This results in improved posture, better coordination, and progression in gross motor skills.

How Does TMR Help Kids?

Children who struggle with tight muscles, limited movement, or discomfort due to conditions like cerebral palsy, orthopedic issues or developmental delays can greatly benefit from TMR. It can also be helpful for infants dealing with torticollis or idiopathic postural asymmetry resulting in tightness from positioning in-utero or in the early weeks of life. Here are a few key ways that TMR can help:

  1. Reducing Tightness in Muscles and Joints: Children who experience stiffness or tightness in their muscles or joints can find relief through TMR. The gentle movements help release tension and promote greater flexibility, allowing for more comfortable and efficient movement.
  2. Improving Posture and Alignment: TMR helps improve the alignment of a child’s body, which can have a lasting effect on their posture. This is particularly beneficial for children who may appear to lean or slouch due to tight muscles or joint restrictions.
  3. Restoring Symmetrical Movement: By targeting both sides of the body, TMR encourages symmetrical movement patterns, ensuring that children can use both sides of their body in a balanced way. This is especially important for kids with developmental delays or conditions like cerebral palsy, which may affect how they move.
  4. Encouraging Motor Skill Development: For children with developmental delays, TMR can play an important role in developing fundamental motor skills. By helping kids move with more ease and control, they can build strength, coordination, and confidence as they grow.

Who Can Benefit from TMR?

TMR is suitable for children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. It can be especially beneficial for children with conditions such as:

  • Cerebral Palsy: Children with cerebral palsy often face challenges with muscle tone, coordination, and movement. TMR can help improve their posture and mobility by addressing tight muscles and promoting symmetrical movement.
  • Orthopedic Conditions: Kids with orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis, joint stiffness, or muscle imbalances can benefit from TMR’s gentle approach to releasing tightness and improving posture.
  • Torticollis: Infants with torticollis, which causes one side of the neck to tighten, may struggle with turning their head or maintaining proper alignment. TMR can help relieve tightness in the neck muscles and improve range of motion throughout the body.
  • Developmental Delays: For children with developmental delays, TMR can provide the support they need to develop motor skills and better coordination.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we understand the unique needs of children and provide tailored care that helps them thrive. Our skilled therapists are trained in Total Motion Release techniques and can work with your child to reduce tightness, improve movement, and develop the skills they need to move confidently and comfortably.

Whether your child has cerebral palsy, an orthopedic condition, torticollis, or developmental delays, we can help them on their journey toward improved movement and quality of life. If you’re interested in learning more about Total Motion Release and how we incorporate this approach into therapy, including intensives, please contact us to schedule an evaluation. You can also use this link to explore our pediatric intensive therapy services.

 

Exciting News: Pediatric Physical Therapy Now Offered at Our Goldsboro Clinic!

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Pediatric Physical Therapy Now Available at Our Goldsboro Clinic

Carolina Therapy Connection is excited to bring Pediatric Physical Therapy to our Goldsboro clinic! This new addition allows families in the area to access specialized care designed to support the development of age-appropriate gross motor skills and recovery from injuries. Our dedicated physical therapist works with children of all ages, offering personalized care to help them reach their fullest potential. Pediatric Physical Therapy is essential for addressing physical challenges that can impact a child’s ability to move, play, and participate in everyday activities. From infants with developmental delays to older children with sports injuries, our services cater to a variety of needs, including torticollis, movement disorders, orthopedic conditions, genetic or neurological disorders, muscle imbalances, and poor coordination or motor planning.

How Can Physical Therapy Work with Infants and Younger Children?

For younger children, including infants and toddlers, physical therapy focuses on developmental milestones and early intervention. If your baby is not sitting, crawling, or walking on time or has been diagnosed with torticollis, physical therapy can provide targeted exercises to encourage proper muscle development and movement patterns. Additionally, we help children with developmental delays by enhancing their strength, balance, and coordination, ensuring they can actively explore their environment. Early intervention is critical in promoting physical and cognitive development during these formative years.

How Does Physical Therapy Benefit Older Children?

For older children, physical therapy supports recovery from sports-related injuries, orthopedic conditions, and other physical challenges. Our therapist works with young athletes to safely return them to play, stronger and more resilient than before. Therapy also addresses poor coordination and motor planning, helping children improve their ability to perform daily tasks and engage in activities they love. Children with genetic, brain, spine, or nerve disorders benefit from customized plans that focus on their unique needs, promoting functional mobility and independence. Whether it’s addressing muscle imbalances, recovering from an injury, or improving overall movement, we provide compassionate care to help older children thrive.

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we’re committed to helping every child succeed. Our Pediatric Physical Therapist is now seeing patients at our Goldsboro clinic and has immediate openings available. With no long waitlists, families can access care quickly and begin their child’s journey toward improved strength, mobility, and confidence. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment—we’re here to help your child every step of the way!

Meet Anna, our Pediatric Physical Therapist in Goldsboro!

Anna is a licensed physical therapist who has experience working with kids of all ages. She believes in using play during therapy to help keep children engaged while working to meet their functional goals. Anna received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in the spring of 2024 and obtained her license shortly afterward. 

She offers a child-led approach to therapy, where she allows clients to play freely while simultaneously making the activities therapeutic to promote participation, build confidence, and address their deficits in order to make progress toward their therapy goals. She offers in-person sessions and is committed to helping clients and equipping their parents with the tools they need, so their child can advance their skills both in the home and during therapy sessions. 

For more information or to make an appointment, visit our website or call our office. We look forward to helping your child meet their gross motor milestones and improve their ability to interact with the world around them!