Pediatric Physical Therapy for Hypertonia
in Charlotte & Huntersville, NC

Does your child’s body feel stiff when you help them get dressed or during diaper changes? Do they struggle to bend their joints or change positions during play? Does your child toe-walk a majority of their day? These can be signs of hypertonia, a condition in which muscles stay tighter than usual, making it harder to move freely.

At Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy, our pediatric physical therapists help your child improve flexibility and develop smoother, more coordinated movement so they can play and explore more comfortably.

What Is Hypertonia?

Hypertonia means your child has increased muscle tone, causing their muscles to feel unusually stiff or tight. Muscle tone is the tension present in muscles even when they are resting. When tone is high, your child’s arms or legs may resist movement.

Hypertonia is related to how your child’s nervous system communicates with their muscles. When the brain or spinal cord has difficulty telling muscles when to relax, they may stay tight. Hypertonia can be associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy or a brain or spinal cord injury. How it shows up for your child depends on its cause and the muscles involved.

Signs of Hypertonia in Children

Signs may become clearer as your child works on new movement skills and may include:

Having stiff arms or legs that are difficult to bend
Keeping their hands tightly closed
Having difficulty rolling over or changing positions
Moving in a jerky or uneven way
Taking longer to sit, crawl, or walk
Struggling with balance

How Physical Therapy Helps With Hypertonia

At Little Wonders, your child’s physical therapist starts with an evaluation of their movement, flexibility, strength, posture, and balance. They then create an individualized plan based on your child’s needs and goals.

Physical therapy may focus on:

Improving flexibility so their joints can bend and straighten more fully
Building strength to support posture and controlled movement
Practicing changing positions, such as moving from sitting to standing
Developing balance and coordination for walking and play

Sessions incorporate playful activities that reflect your child’s interests and abilities. For example, they may reach for toys to practice straightening and bending their arms, or step over low obstacles during a game to practice bending their hips and knees. We’ll also show you gentle stretches to use during daily routines like bath time.

Why Choose Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy

Since 2018, Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy has supported children and families throughout Charlotte and Huntersville, NC. We make therapy fun and effective, pairing evidence-based care with engaging activities that support your child’s development. Our physical therapists also team up with our occupational, speech, and feeding therapists for holistic care, keeping your family involved and informed.

Reach Out Today to Get Started

If you’re concerned about your child’s muscle stiffness, call Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy at (704) 752-1616, email info@littlewonderstherapy.com, or complete our online form to schedule an evaluation. We’d love to help your child move with ease.

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Pediatric Physical Therapy for Hypertonia in Charlotte & Huntersville, NC