Tumbles, trips and clumsy skills are all part of growing up as we develop our fine motor capacities. For some children, however, this clumsiness extends well past the usual time period into late childhood. Co-ordination problems affect around 6% of children. Many people refer to this as simple clumsiness, yet this title does not express the severity of the disorder.

If you have any questions regarding this information, or need help with your particular condition, please contact Back to Basics® Chiropractic at either the Kogarah or Parramatta clinic. Our highly trained staff will be able to advise you on an appropriate course of action. If you make a booking, please ask our receptionist about our website offer of 10% off your initial consultation.

Co-ordination problems - Children Chiropractic Children who have poor co-ordination often show a delayed attainment of gross and fine motor skills. These skills vary from running and catching balls to balancing and tying shoelaces. This is usually a hindrance when it comes to compulsory sport at school and even lunchtime play in the school yard.

Many sufferers also experience speech difficulties, learning disabilities and reluctance to form friendships. For children with coordination problems their awkwardness interferes significantly with their daily activities. This not only causes physical suffering, but also mental and emotional distress from feeling (and perhaps being told) that they are different from their peers. The effects of this disorder can generally be categorised into 6 sub groups:

  • General unsteadiness, slight shaking
  • Decreased muscle tone at rest
  • Muscle tone consistently above normal
  • Unable to move smoothly, problems putting together movements
  • Unable to form written symbols

Children can have one or more of the difficulties above.

The origins of coordination problems are unknown, although disruptions in the nervous system are usually blamed. The disorder can be detected early on, with the first attempts to grasp and hold. Children with coordination problems usually experience milestones such as crawling and walking later than normal.

Several treatments are available for children with coordination problems. Certain medication and behavioural therapy courses are used, focusing on motor and cognitive strategies. Chiropractic is also useful in addressing coordination problems. The chiropractors at Back to Basics Chiropractic can provide specific exercises designed to enhance motor control.

These physical exercises are vital for overcoming coordination problems and achieving physical development at a correct rate. Chiropractors can also assist in addressing other spinal or movement problems that may be related to coordination problems.


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