Gross motor skills are the movements children use to control their large muscles.
Examples of gross motor skills include:
- Rolling, sitting and crawling
- Standing and walking
- Running, jumping and climbing
- Balancing, kicking and throwing
These abilities form the foundation for independence, play and participation in school and family life.
When gross motor skills are delayed or difficult, children may become frustrated, avoid active play or struggle to keep up. Early support through physical therapy can make a meaningful difference.
MercyOne pediatric physical therapists specialize in supporting children from infancy through adolescence. We take a family-centered, compassionate approach, focusing on your child’s unique strengths and needs. We also provide educational resources for families to help establish an at-home program, so their child can continue to build strength and confidence at home.
Through physical therapy, children can improve:
- Strength by building the muscles needed for movement and posture
- Balance and coordination by supporting safe, confident mobility
- Posture and alignment by encouraging efficient, healthy movement
- Endurance through improving tolerance for walking, running, and play
- Motor planning by helping children learn new movements and skills
Every child develops at their own pace, but you may consider an evaluation if your child:
- Misses expected motor milestones
- Has difficulty with balance or coordination
- Walks later than expected or moves differently than peers
- Falls frequently or tires easily
- Struggles with stairs, jumping, or running
- Avoids physical play or seems unsure of movement
- Has low tone
- Toe walks
- Has unusual gait patterns
- Has postural concerns
We also support children with a wide range of needs including:
- Developmental delays
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Torticollis or plagiocephaly
- Orthopedic injuries or conditions
- Motor delays related to prematurity
- Sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation
