Starfish Therapies

A pediatric therapy company operating in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We provide physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy services in the most beneficial and convenient setting for you and your child, including our clinic, currently located in Burlingame, your home, school or daycare.

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The Long Road to Walking

December 1, 2010 by Stacy Menz

I recently put together some footage for a video of some of the hard work that goes into walking for children with developmental disabilities. However, the same concepts can apply to any child who is learning to walk.

Balance is a huge factor for learning to walk. Give your child the chance at success first by controlling the environment they are learning in. It should be short distances, level ground, sturdy shoes, not a lot of distractions going on around them and lots of motivation/rewards.  This looks like toys that interest them, mom or dad cheering them on, etc.

As they start to get some success add in fun challenges such as ‘dancing’ or trying to pick up a toy from the ground, turning around to head in a different direction, different terrain (carpet, hardwood, grass), bare feet vs shoes, etc.

These are things that can make learning to walk fun for a child who has to work extra hard at it!

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Filed Under: Developmental Milestones Tagged With: balance, coordination, developmental delay, education, exercise, gross motor development, kids, moms, motor planning, Motor Smart Kids, physical therapy, shoes, Starfish Therapies, strengthening, walking

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We have been working with Starfish Therapies over the last year, and my four year-old has made incredible progress in her gross motor development. Stacy has an amazing ability to work with children. She uses her energy, humor and creativity to make children laugh and play, and at the same time work very hard.”

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  BURLINGAME / MAIN CLINIC
  1541 Old Bayshore Highway
  Burlingame, CA 94010


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  (located in KidSpace)
  3401 Mission St.
  San Francisco, CA 94110


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  3825 El Camino Real
  Palo Alto, CA 94306


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  (located at Sensitive Solutions)
  30 Avenue Portola, Suite 200 C & D
  Half Moon Bay, CA 94018

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