Let’s talk about one of those skills that doesn’t always get the spotlight but is super important: lateral stability. If you’re working with kid who have hemiplegia or who’ve had torticollis, you know exactly what I’m talking about – that sneaky asymmetrical weight shifting that can throw everything else off!
The Challenge: Kids Who Lean to One Side
We’ve all seen it – those little ones who:
- Practically live on their stronger side
- Wobble when you try to get them shifting side to side
- Get frustrated during playground time when balance is challenged
- Develop those crafty compensatory movements that can create more problems down the road
And it’s not just about physical therapy goals – these challenges can affect how confident kids feel joining games or trying new playground equipment. Nobody wants to be the kid who’s always falling over!
Why Side-to-Side Movement Is a Big Deal
Think about it – lateral stability is the unsung hero of so many skills:
- Helps kids navigate around obstacles without face-planting (always a win!)
- Makes playground tag games actually fun instead of scary
- Sets the foundation for future sports skills
- Builds that core strength we’re always preaching about
- Makes everyday stuff like getting dressed way easier
Lateral Lunges: Your New Therapy BFF
This is where lateral lunges come in clutch! They’re perfect for targeting exactly what these kids need – and way more fun than boring standing exercises.
Making Lateral Lunges Work in Real Therapy Sessions
1. Match it to your kiddo
We all know that one-size-fits-all is a therapy myth:
- Toddlers: Keep it super simple—maybe just stepping over a favorite stuffed animal
- Preschool crowd: Bring on the superhero themes! “Can you zoom sideways like The Flash?”
- School-age crew: They can handle more structure, but still need that fun factor
2. Therapy that feels like play
The golden rule of peds therapy: If they’re having fun, they’ll do it longer!
- Set up a “treasure hunt” with toys scattered to the sides
- Create a “hot lava” game where they have to side-step to safety
- Turn on some music and make it a freeze dance with lateral movements
3. Tackling that asymmetry head-on
For our kids with a hemiplegia or residual torticollis:
- Sneakily put more cool stuff on their affected side (therapy ninja move!)
- Give just enough support to build confidence without creating dependence
- Use bright tape or fun footprints on the floor as visual guides
- Make the affected side more “awake” with some quick sensory input before you start
4. Build them up gradually
Start where they can succeed and level up from there:
- Begin with just swaying side to side (with an epic soundtrack, obviously)
- Work up to actual steps once they’ve got the weight shift down
- Add in arm movements (reaching for bubbles works every time!)
- Gradually make the task more challenging as they build confidence
How to Know It’s Working
Look for these wins:
- Less leaning to the preferred side
- Willingness to reach for toys on the affected side
- Smoother movements with fewer compensations
- More confidence on the playground
- Parents reporting they’re seeing changes at home (the ultimate victory!)
Your Therapy Takeaways
- Consistency is key: Sneak lateral stability work into every session somehow
- Get the parents on board: Show them simple ways to practice at home during everyday routines
- Track what matters: Keep notes on quality of movement, not just quantity
- Celebrate the small stuff: Make a big deal about even tiny improvements
The best part about lateral lunges? They give kids with hemiplegia, torticollis, and other movement challenges a fun way to develop better movement patterns that will help them keep up with their friends and build confidence.
Remember – if they’re laughing, they’re learning! And lateral stability work doesn’t have to be boring.
What’s your favorite way to make lateral movement fun? Drop your creative ideas in the comments!rience or questions in the comments below!