Being an occupational therapist, I often share toys from an OT perspective and thought it would be great to show how toys are used in physical therapy. So, I got in contact with Emily Heisey, DPT (Instagram.com/Kinesio_kids) who was kind enough to share what toys she uses in therapy and why they are her favorite.
Enjoy!
1) Slide
According to Emily, slides can be used to strengthen the arms and legs, promote bilateral coordination with climbing and even help to stretch the heel cords when heels hang off the last step. Also, staying upright on the slide is a major core workout.
Wanna get crazy?? Encourage kiddos with low muscle tone, those who toe walk or in-toe walk to climb up the slide instead to get those ankles firing. Love this!
2) Multi-direction Mirror (not a toy, but…)
Mirrors are great for vertical play! I use vertical play to strengthen the shoulder and wrist. Emily shares that using a suction toy on a mirror is great for encouraging trunk extension (back straightening) with a new independent sitter.
Tip: Grab a tall mounted mirror and move your favorite suction toy from a horizontal tray to the vertical mirror. The higher the toy the more challenging it is. I love this too because it encourages midline play. Midline play is important because it requires the use of both hands. This is great for promoting the establishment of hand dominance.
3) Balance Stones
Using Balance Stones is a great way to challenge balance due to the pliable nature of the stone. Place them closer together to make it easier, and further away for older children who need more of a challenge.
Tip: Help strengthen legs by frog jumping over stones or stand on one leg and touch the red, green, yellow stones all in a row before placing the foot down.
4) Finger Paint
Have you ever thought of finger painting with the feet before? If you’re like me and you haven’t you’ll be glad to hear that it is a great way to work on strengthening the core muscles. Also, finger painting on hands and knees helps strengthen the trunk and shoulders, which is needed for tasks like writing. Another idea to finger paint is on knees with paper on a window to encourages shoulder strength and hip stability.
5) Bilibo
Have you seen the bilbo seat before? This thing totally looks like a weird plastic bowl, but its simple design allows for plenty of ways for your little to play and grow. They can rock, spin, even use it for playing hide and seek!
Best yet, the sitting and rocking actually helps your children strengthen their core and posture. I love these!
6) Scooter Board
Sittig on a scooter board and pushing self with the feet while keeping the feet straight in front is great for strengthening the legs and helping toe walkers and in-toe walkers. Also, pulling a scooter board with a weight on it is great for this as well.
These are just some physical therapy benefits, but these toys are fun for all kids and can be used in endless creative ways. You can even let your kids decide how to use them, to encourage independent and creative play.
Supervision required.