Down Syndrome
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder "characterized by hypotonia [low muscle tone], cognitive delay, abnormal facial features, and other distinctive physical abnormalities."
Does physical therapy really help?
Although most children with Down syndrome eventually learn to walk on their own, physical therapy can help them reach this milestone earlier. Also, with early intervention, physical therapy can help prevent children from developing abnormal movement patterns and help prevent skeletal deformities. Because children with Down syndrome are weak, physical therapy can help strengthen their muscles and facilitate movement in order to help them reach gross motor milestones and improve ambulation.
Reference:
JGoodman, C and Glanzman, A. Genetic and Developmental Disorders. In Goodman, Boissonnault, and Fuller (Eds.), Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist, 2nd Ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 2003, pp 829-831.