Pulling to Stand: Not Using One Leg? 👶🏻 | Torticollis | Pediatric Physical Therapy #43

Описание: Pulling to Stand with a Preferred Leg 👶🏻 | Addressing Asymmetry After Torticollis | Pediatric Physical Therapy #43

Meet Ilya! 👶🏻
Ilya is 13 months old and was born one month premature, so his development is best compared to that of a 12-month-old child.

In his early months, Ilya experienced several medical and feeding challenges, including:

• Torticollis with right-sided shortening
• Plagiocephaly
• Projectile vomiting and difficulty gaining weight
• Failure to thrive / infant malnutrition
• GERD
• Lip tie and tongue tie
• Feeding difficulties, including poor suction and latch 🍼

As feeding improved, his overall strength and motor development became more consistent — a good reminder of how closely nutrition, growth, and movement are connected 🧠💪🏽.

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WHERE ILYA IS NOW

Ilya is currently:
• Crawling independently
• Pulling to stand
• Cruising along furniture

Although he is making excellent progress, children who had early asymmetries — such as torticollis — are at risk for developing movement preferences later on. In Ilya’s case, he is consistently pulling to stand using his left leg, with much less use of his right.

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IN THIS VIDEO

Pediatric physical therapist Amy Sturkey works with Ilya to assess and address a leg preference during pull-to-stand.

Amy observes which leg Ilya naturally chooses when pulling up and then uses simple, gentle strategies to encourage use of the less-preferred leg, including:

• Preventing the preferred leg from initiating the movement
• Weight-shifting to free the opposite leg
• Providing light assistance to help Ilya experience success

The goal is not to force movement, but to help Ilya recognize that both legs are available and capable, supporting more symmetrical strength and coordination as he continues to progress.

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THIS ACTIVITY HELPS SUPPORT:

• Symmetry during pull-to-stand
• Balanced lower-extremity strength
• Weight shifting and transitional control
• Carryover from early asymmetries (such as torticollis)
• More efficient, adaptable movement patterns 💪🏽

Both sides should always be practiced to support long-term balance and healthy motor development for all children 👶🏽👶🏿👶🏻.

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Intro
0:04 – Ilya’s background and early history
0:14 – Observing pull-to-stand leg preference
0:36 – Left leg consistently leading
1:14 – Holding the preferred leg
1:46 – Weight-shifting to free the opposite leg
2:19 – Successful pull-to-stand with the right leg
2:25 – How to practice this at home
2:56 – Wrap-up

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📺 Watch all of Ilya’s videos here (playlist):
   • Pediatric Physical Therapy with a Child wi...  

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⚠️ SAFETY NOTE
These videos are educational and are not a substitute for in-person physical therapy. Please do not try these techniques if your child’s skills or medical history differ significantly from Ilya’s. For individualized guidance, contact a licensed pediatric physical therapist near you.

📧 Contact: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.pediatricPTexercises.com

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🪶 ACCESSIBILITY
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To turn on captions: Click “CC.”
To change languages: ⚙️ Settings → Subtitles/CC → select a language or Auto-translate.
If captions block details, toggle them off in the bottom corner of the player.

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📚 BOOKS BY AMY STURKEY (Amazon)

“P is for Poop and Pee Accidents”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLSRJ483

“A is for Anxiety”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LXQ3W6V

“A is for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QH9H5HR

“C is for Cerebral Palsy”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088TSJCYP

“D is for Down Syndrome”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P8HH49

“A is for Autism”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F4FFTB

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PROFESSIONAL PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY BOOKS

Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Hips
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156736

Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Knees
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156760

Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Ankles
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX2ZCFD