Have you noticed that your child does not sit in a normal sitting position? Do their hips and legs seem misaligned or look abnormally posed when they’re sitting on the ground playing? Would you say that the shape of their legs makes a “W?”
W sitting is defined as the position where a child internally rotates their hips and sits on their bottom with their legs splayed on either side. Children sit this way for many reasons. The good news is that a pediatric physical therapist can help correct your child’s sitting posture.
Call Mark Their Words Therapy Services in Clarksville, TN today to learn more and schedule an appointment!
The issue with W sitting
Your child may have hypotonia and use W sitting posture to stabilize themselves. On the other end of the tone spectrum, your child’s hypertonia may cause specific muscles to tighten. This can make W sitting the easiest sitting position for your child.
Common causes of change in tone (hypotonia and hypertonia) are premature birth, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
While occasional W position is not a concern, persistent W position or long periods of W position may cause orthopedic and developmental issues.
Examples of problems due to W sitting include:
- Decreased bilateral coordination
- Orthopedic changes, e.g., hip dysplasia
- Imbalance in muscle strength and flexibility
- Gross and fine motor delays
- Joint pain
Having a consultation with a pediatric physical therapist can assist you and your child in addressing W sitting. Contact Mark Their Words Therapy Services in town to schedule an evaluation.
How can a pediatric physical therapist help correct W sitting?
According to Healthline.com, “If you only see your child sitting in the W-position from time to time, you may not need to correct them. Pay attention to see if they shift themself out of the position easily and that they change positions throughout play.”
On the other hand, if your child displays long-term W position behavior Mark Their Words Therapy Services, pediatric therapists can help correct it.
Physical therapy interventions for W position include:
- Stretching of muscles that are tight and predisposes your child to this position.
- Strengthening of less activated muscles
- Postural and balance work on therapy balls, swings, and balance beams to foster the musculoskeletal system’s muscle balance and structural integrity.
- Bilateral coordination movements and exercises to encourage optimal gross motor development.
- Developing a home program that will work for the family and child to promote functional movement patterns during the day.
A home program is also essential to your child’s growth and progress. Your child’s pediatric physical therapist can recommend some measures to take at home to help prevent. These tips may include:
- Verbal cues: A simple reminder phrase like “fix your legs” can prompt your child to reposition themselves promptly when you observe them in a W sitting position.
- Alternative sitting options: Consider purchasing a new chair that your child likes, perhaps even allowing them to pick it out themselves. Your child will be much more likely to avoid W sitting on the floor if they have a chair they love.
- Home exercise routine: You can reinforce physical therapy lessons at home. Remind your child of the new sitting positions that they learned from their physical therapist and help them practice these new positions at home every night.
Pediatric physical therapists can also consult with your child’s teacher, coach, or care provider to educate them on strategies to discourage and encourage functional movement patterns.
Suggestions may include recommendations for play and the use of recreational equipment such as those found on community or school playgrounds. Climbing a playscape, for example, can foster reciprocal arm and leg movement providing both stretching and strengthening. Riding a bicycle or scooter can foster excellent balance and coordination skills.
Consideration of other physical activities, e.g., swimming, karate, or golf, may be suggested to provide age-appropriate and fun exercise that promotes postural integrity.
The key is finding engaging and active ways to prevent and encourage various functional movements. Your pediatric physical therapist will work with you and your child to make a plan that works for both of you!
Consult with a pediatric physical therapist
If you’ve noticed your child W sitting, don’t panic! It doesn’t mean they will never learn the proper way to position their bodies when sitting.
W sitting is okay for short periods, but you should discourage your child from staying in the W sitting position for too long. If your child needs extra support and guidance in this area, contact Mark Their Words Therapy Services in Clarksville, TN today to schedule a physical therapy evaluation.
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Tags: body balance, w sitting, home therapy, pediatric treatment, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Child Development, parenting
