Hypotonia
Hypo (low) tonia (tone or tension in muscles) is evident in a state of hypermobility of the trunk and limb joints.
How TheraTogs Can Help
Generalized hypotonia diminishes the function of the somatosensory (position and movement) receptors in joints and muscles, contributing to delays and deficits in the development of postural control and gross motor skills.[1] The relaxed postures impose lengthening on supporting muscles, which compromises their strength.
As shown above, TheraTogs garments are designed to deliver the enhanced somatosensory input and gentle mechanical stability of a customized body hug. Strapping is provided for use in improving the alignment of the spine and pelvis, to shorten long muscles – usually abdominals – and allow them to work in shortened state, and to reduce the functioning base of support in order to increase activity in the trunk and hip muscles.
Which TheraTogs Systems to Use
These TheraTogs products support therapy goals for children with hypotonia:
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Dragonfly TLSO System – the first code-verified, reimbursement-ready TheraTogs system on the market
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Full Body System (FBS) – comes with limb strapping components.
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Wunzi System – for infants and young preschoolers. Order the accompanying Limb Kit for extra strapping.
Applicable Science and Therapy Approaches
Sciences that apply to the management of hypotonia:
Therapy approaches that can be used to address hypotonia:
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Movement System [Impairment Syndrome] Analysis and Management
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Perception-Action Approach (P-A) (formerly TAMO – Tscharnuter Akademie for Motor Organization)
More About Hypotonia
As a diagnosis, hypotonia lacks clear definition. In a study undertaken to identify more specific characteristics of hypotonia, pediatric physical and occupational therapists agreed on these identifying features: decreased strength, decreased activity tolerance, delayed motor skill development, rounded shoulder posture with a tendency to lean onto supports, hypermobile joints, increased flexibility, and poor attention and motivation.[2]
Hypotonia is evident in children with these diagnoses (among others):
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Down Syndrome and other syndromes resulting from chromosomal defects
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Diplegic Cerebral Palsy – usually present in the trunk muscles
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Flexible Kyphosis/Lordosis
References
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Pereira K, Basso RP, Lindquist AR, da Silva LG, Tudella E. 2013. Infants with Down syndrome: percentage and age for acquisition of gross motor skills. Res Dev Disabil. 34(3):894-901.
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Martin K, Inman J, Kirschner A, et al. 2005. Characteristics of hypotonia in children: a consensus opinion of pediatric occupational and physical therapists. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2005 Winter;17(4):275-82.