Podcasts > The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast > 1KHO 258: Playful Moves: Kinactive Kids Guide to Nature's Playground and Gross Motor Triumphs | Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, Kinactive Kids

1KHO 258: Playful Moves: Kinactive Kids Guide to Nature's Playground and Gross Motor Triumphs | Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, Kinactive Kids

By Ginny Yurich

In the latest installment of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, hosts Ginny Yurich joins forces with Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman from Kinactive Kids to explore innovative strategies for nurturing children’s development. The episode delves into the synergy of chiropractic care and physical therapy in pediatric care, highlighting the benefits of this combined approach for children's motor skills and muscle development. Heisey and Otterman, proponents of a collaborative healthcare paradigm, have established Connective University, aiming to bridge the gap between disciplines and foster more comprehensive treatment methods for young patients.

The conversation also addresses crucial topics like developmental milestones and how to identify and react to potential delays in children's growth. Presenting the Connective Community platform, the speakers shed light on how purposeful play can be a key tool for parents to promote their children's gross motor skills and overall brain development. They advocate for simple, biomechanically accurate activities, suggesting that these can significantly outperform complex equipment in supporting children's progress. This episode provides a wealth of actionable advice for proactive parenting, equipping caregivers with the knowledge to integrate clinical concepts into fun, everyday play and prepare their children for future developmental achievements.

1KHO 258: Playful Moves: Kinactive Kids Guide to Nature's Playground and Gross Motor Triumphs | Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, Kinactive Kids

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1KHO 258: Playful Moves: Kinactive Kids Guide to Nature's Playground and Gross Motor Triumphs | Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, Kinactive Kids

1-Page Summary

Advocating for a Holistic Approach to Pediatric Care

Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman advocate for a holistic approach to pediatric care that combines chiropractic care with physical therapy, resulting in faster developmental improvements in children. They have observed that linking joint adjustments from chiropractic care with the muscle-building of physical therapy leads to increased movement and muscle engagement. This integrated method not only lengthens muscles but also promotes more functional movement, offering a broader and more effective treatment. To eliminate the historical divide between physical therapists and chiropractors, Heisey and Otterman have founded Connective University, promoting collaboration among various health care professionals to enhance pediatric care.

Milestones and Developmental Delays

Emily Heisey introduces the Connective Community platform, complemented by insights from Matt Otterman and Ginny Yurich on child development and addressing developmental delays. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential delays early, they provide red flags, such as a lack of movement attempts or distress when rolling, and outline typical age ranges for milestones. Heisey and Otterman believe that attempts at movement indicate progress, even if a child hasn't fully reached a milestone. For reenforcing development, they encourage simple and biomechanically sound activities over gimmicky equipment, as evidenced by swift improvements seen in children following these methods.

Purposeful Play and Proactive Participation

The Connective Community platform empowers parents with simple yet purposeful play activities to encourage their children's development. Emily Heisey, Matt Otterman, and Ginny Yurich stress the value of incorporating play into daily routines to support gross motor and brain development. They offer suggestions like messy play to enhance various developmental facets, demonstrating how clinical interventions can be turned into fun, at-home activities. The focus is also on being proactive with upcoming milestones, preparing children's bodies and environments through natural play and intentional activities. Heisey and Otterman propose that parents using these strategies can effectively prepare their children for new developmental stages, bridging the gap between clinical settings and home.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy in pediatric care aims to enhance movement and muscle engagement by integrating joint adjustments with muscle-building exercises. This approach can lead to faster developmental improvements in children by promoting more functional movement and muscle lengthening. By bridging the gap between these two disciplines, the integrated method offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for pediatric patients. The collaboration between chiropractors and physical therapists can result in a more holistic approach to pediatric care, focusing on improving overall movement and development in children.
  • Joint adjustments in chiropractic care involve applying controlled force to a specific joint to improve its range of motion and alignment. When joints are properly aligned, it can positively impact muscle engagement by allowing muscles to function more efficiently and effectively. This process can lead to increased movement capabilities and improved muscle function, contributing to overall physical well-being. The combination of joint adjustments with muscle-building activities like physical therapy can enhance movement patterns and promote better muscle coordination in pediatric patients.
  • Connective University, founded by Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, aims to bridge the gap between physical therapists and chiropractors by promoting collaboration among various health care professionals. This collaboration enhances pediatric care by integrating joint adjustments from chiropractic care with muscle-building techniques from physical therapy, leading to improved movement and muscle engagement in children. The university serves as a platform for sharing insights and best practices in holistic pediatric care, emphasizing the benefits of a combined approach for faster developmental improvements. By fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange, Connective University plays a crucial role in advocating for a more comprehensive and effective method of caring for children's health and development.
  • Developmental delays in children can manifest as a lack of movement attempts or distress during basic activities like rolling. Recognizing these red flags early is crucial as they can indicate potential issues that may require intervention or support. Monitoring milestones and seeking professional guidance if delays are suspected can help address developmental concerns promptly. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and support children in reaching their full potential.
  • The focus on simple and biomechanically sound activities over gimmicky equipment for child development highlights the importance of engaging children in activities that promote natural movement patterns and muscle development. By prioritizing activities that align with how a child's body naturally moves, it can support their physical development more effectively. Gimmicky equipment may not always encourage proper movement patterns or provide the necessary stimuli for optimal development. Choosing activities that are simple, safe, and biomechanically appropriate can better support a child's overall physical growth and motor skills.
  • The Connective Community platform is an online resource that provides parents with guidance on purposeful play activities to support their children's development. It offers suggestions and strategies endorsed by experts in pediatric care to enhance gross motor and brain development through engaging and meaningful play. This platform aims to bridge the gap between clinical interventions and home environments by empowering parents with simple yet effective ways to promote their children's growth. By incorporating these activities into daily routines, parents can proactively support their children's milestones and overall development.
  • Messy play involves activities that allow children to explore and interact with different textures and materials in a tactile way. This type of play can support various aspects of child development, including sensory exploration, fine motor skills, creativity, and cognitive development. By engaging in messy play, children can enhance their sensory processing abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a fun and stimulating environment. Encouraging messy play can also help children build confidence, independence, and resilience as they navigate new experiences and sensations.
  • Being proactive with upcoming milestones in child development involves anticipating and preparing for the next stages of a child's growth and abilities. By engaging in activities that support these upcoming milestones, parents can help their children transition smoothly into new developmental phases. This proactive approach aims to create an environment that nurtures and encourages the natural progression of a child's skills and capabilities, setting them up for success as they reach new milestones.

Counterarguments

  • The efficacy of chiropractic care in children is not universally accepted and lacks robust evidence; some medical professionals argue that the benefits are anecdotal and not supported by rigorous scientific research.
  • There is a concern about the safety of chiropractic adjustments in very young children, given their developing musculoskeletal systems.
  • Skeptics of chiropractic care might argue that physical therapy alone, which is more widely accepted in the medical community, could be sufficient for addressing developmental delays without the need for chiropractic interventions.
  • The idea of a holistic approach is broad and may lack specific guidelines, which could lead to inconsistent application and results among different practitioners.
  • The emphasis on early recognition of developmental delays could inadvertently cause anxiety for parents, who might overanalyze normal variations in development.
  • Some experts might argue that the focus on movement attempts as indicators of progress could overlook other important aspects of development, such as cognitive or social-emotional milestones.
  • The recommendation against "gimmicky equipment" might not acknowledge that some specialized equipment can be beneficial for certain children with specific needs or conditions.
  • While the Connective Community platform aims to empower parents, there is a risk of information overload or misinterpretation without proper guidance from healthcare professionals.
  • The suggestion to incorporate play into daily routines is valuable, but it may not be feasible for all families due to various socioeconomic factors.
  • The concept of proactive participation in upcoming milestones might not take into account the individual pace at which each child naturally develops, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations.
  • The strategies proposed may not be inclusive of children with more severe developmental disorders or disabilities who may require more specialized and intensive interventions.

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1KHO 258: Playful Moves: Kinactive Kids Guide to Nature's Playground and Gross Motor Triumphs | Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, Kinactive Kids

Advocating for a Holistic Approach to Pediatric Care

Heisey and Otterman are advocating for a new, holistic approach to pediatric care that involves the integration of chiropractic care and physical therapy, which they have observed can lead to faster improvements in children.

Pairing chiropractic and physical therapy creates faster improvements in kids

Emily Heisey, a pediatric physical therapist, has observed how combining physical therapy with chiropractic care results in more significant advancements in children's development. Heisey noticed considerable improvements in her own daughter's development within just six weeks when she applied 20 minutes of targeted exercises daily together with thrice-weekly chiropractic care.

How joint adjustments enable more movement and muscle engagement

Heisey and Otterman propose that when chiropractic care, which often involves joint adjustments, is paired with physical therapy, there can be an increase in movement and muscle engagement in children. These joint adjustments have the potential to enable children to move more freely and engage their muscles better.

Lengthening muscles and engaging functional movement together

By combining the strength-building and rehabilitative modalities of physical therapy with the skeletal alignment provided by chiropractic care, children can benefit from lengthened muscles and engage in more functional movement patterns. This integrative approach facilitates a more thorough and ef ...

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Advocating for a Holistic Approach to Pediatric Care

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Combining chiropractic care and physical therapy for pediatric patients can lead to improved movement and muscle engagement. Chiropractic adjustments can enhance skeletal alignment, allowing for better mobility. Physical therapy focuses on strength-building and functional movement, complementing the benefits of chiropractic care. This integrated approach offers a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan for children's development.
  • Joint adjustments in chiropractic care for children involve manual manipulation of the joints to improve their alignment and function. These adjustments aim to restore proper joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall movement efficiency. In pediatric care, gentle techniques are typically used to address musculoskeletal issues specific to children's developing bodies. Joint adjustments can help optimize nerve function, promote proper growth and development, and support the body's natural healing processes in pediatric patients.
  • In pediatric care, lengthening muscles involves techniques to increase muscle flexibility and range of motion. Engaging functional movement means encouraging children to perform activities that mimic daily tasks to improve their motor skills. This approach aims to enhance overall physical function and mobility in pediatric patients. Integrating these practices can support children in achieving developmental milestones and improving their quality of life.
  • Historically, physical therapists and chiropractors have operated in separate professional spheres with distinct approaches to healthcare. Physical therapists focus on movement and rehabilitation through exercises and modalities, while chiropractors emphasize spinal adjustments and alignment to address health issues. The differing philosophies and practices of these professions have sometimes led to a lack of collaboration and unders ...

Counterarguments

  • The evidence supporting the combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy is anecdotal and may not be generalizable without rigorous scientific studies to back the claims.
  • Joint adjustments and chiropractic interventions lack sufficient high-quality research to conclusively determine their safety and efficacy in pediatric populations.
  • Skeletal alignment and joint adjustments provided by chiropractors are not universally accepted within the medical community, and some argue that the benefits are placebo or temporary.
  • There may be concerns about the qualifications and training of chiropractors in handling pediatric cases, as chiropractic care is not traditionally focused on children.
  • The concept of lengthened muscles may be misleading, as muscles do not actually lengthen but can become more flexible or have increased range of motion through stretching and exercise.
  • The establishment of Connective University could be seen as a potential conflict of interest if the founders are advocating for a model that directly benefits their institution.
  • Collaboration between different healthcare professionals is important, but it should be based on e ...

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1KHO 258: Playful Moves: Kinactive Kids Guide to Nature's Playground and Gross Motor Triumphs | Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, Kinactive Kids

Milestones and Developmental Delays

Emily Heisey introduces an online platform, Connective Community, while Otterman and Ginny Yurich contribute insights on child development and navigating concerns regarding developmental delays.

Recognizing potential delays and getting early support

Early recognition of developmental delays is crucial, and the hosts outline some key indicators and typical age ranges for children to achieve common milestones.

Red flags indicating a delay may be emerging

Emily Heisey mentions that if a child is not attempting to move or showing distress without attempting to roll from their belly, this could be a red flag for a delay. Otterman speaks on the necessity of help when children are missing certain gross motor milestones.

Typical age ranges for common milestones

Heisey shares a range for gross motor skills development; sitting upright unsupported typically happens between six to eight months, while crawling generally occurs from eight to twelve months. Ginny refers to these milestones as typically happening within the first year or by 15 to 18 months.

Attempting skills shows progress even if milestone isn't met

Matt Otterman discusses the importance of children attempting skills as a sign of progress. Emily Heisey stresses parents should look for attempts, like trying to move on their belly, as a sign of progress.

Providing hope and confidence to parents

The hosts discuss methods and activities that can promote child development, giving parents tools to see fast improvements.

Simple positioning and activities make fast improvements

Emily Heisey has ...

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Milestones and Developmental Delays

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Red flags for developmental delays can include a child not attempting to move or showing distress without trying to roll from their belly. Missing certain gross motor milestones, like not sitting upright unsupported between six to eight months or not crawling between eight to twelve months, can also be red flags. It's important to recognize these signs early to seek appropriate support and intervention for the child's development.
  • Gross motor milestones involve physical skills like sitting, crawling, and rolling. Typically, sitting upright unsupported happens between 6-8 months, crawling occurs from 8-12 months, and these milestones are expected within the first year or by 15-18 months. Children attempting these skills show progress, even if they don't achieve the milestone within the specified age ranges.
  • Recognizing and encouraging a child's attempts at skills, even if they haven't reached a specific milestone, is crucial for their development. It signifies progress and effort towards mastering the skill, even if the milestone itself hasn't been achieved yet. By acknowledging and supporting these attempts, parents and caregivers can provide positive reinforcement and motivation for the child to continue practicing and eventually reach the milestone. This approach focuses on the process of learning and growth rather than solely on the end result of meeting a specific developmental milestone.
  • Combining chiropractic care with physical therapy for child development involves utilizing manual adjustments and exercises to address musculoskeletal issues that may impact a child's movement and development. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system function, while physical therapy targets specific motor skills and mobility challenges. This integrated approach aims to improve overall physical function, coordination, and posture in children, potentially enhancing their developmental progress. By addressing both structural and functional aspects of the body, this combined approach can support children in reaching their developmental milestones more effectively.
  • Alternative positions to tummy time, such as playing on the back, side, or seated vertically, offer ...

Counterarguments

  • While early recognition of developmental delays is important, it's also crucial to acknowledge that there is a wide range of normal development, and not all children who are late to meet milestones have a developmental delay.
  • The emphasis on early milestones might inadvertently increase anxiety in parents, who may worry excessively about their child's development even when variations are within a normal range.
  • The effectiveness of combining chiropractic care with physical therapy for children is not universally accepted in the medical community, and some health professionals may question the evidence base for this approach.
  • While biomechanics and purposeful play are important, the role of genetics and the child's unique developmental timeline should also be considered when assessing progress.
  • The use of videos to show rapid improvements can be encouraging, but they may also set unrealistic expectations for parents, as not all children will progress at the same rate.
  • The sugge ...

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1KHO 258: Playful Moves: Kinactive Kids Guide to Nature's Playground and Gross Motor Triumphs | Emily Heisey and Matt Otterman, Kinactive Kids

Purposeful Play and Proactive Participation

The Connective Community platform encourages parents to adopt purposeful play by providing short video clips that guide them on how to achieve developmental milestones through playful activities.

Empowering parents with simple purposeful play activities

Heisey highlights the importance of empowering parents with the knowledge and activities they can use at home to stimulate their children's development playfully. Otterman appreciates Heisey's concept of purposeful play, which combines children's playtime with supporting their gross motor and brain development, thus building a connection with them. Ginny Yurich refers to pediatric occupational therapy resources that embody the integration of play into development.

Heisey suggests messy play, like using shaving cream on a cookie sheet, as an enjoyable activity that simultaneously strengthens a child's core and enhances their social, cognitive, and physical development. Such activities translate clinical interventions into functional home activities, bridging the gap between the clinic and the home environment.

Being proactive about upcoming milestones

The platform also emphasizes being proactive about children's upcoming milestones by preparing their body and environment. Heisey highlights that children are inherently creative and can engage in play that contributes to their development, turning simple objects into playthings.

Otterman, a chiropractor, discusses the importance of removing physical restrictions like torticollis, enabling children to engage more fully in play. Meanwhile, Yurich recalls an open gymnastics session that promoted free play and development. This proactive approach extends to translating professional tools and techniques into activities th ...

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Purposeful Play and Proactive Participation

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Purposeful play involves engaging children in activities that are intentionally designed to promote their development across various areas such as social, cognitive, and physical skills. Through purposeful play, children can learn and grow while having fun, as these activities are tailored to support specific developmental milestones. By incorporating purposeful play into daily routines, parents can actively contribute to their child's overall growth and well-being. This approach not only fosters a deeper connection between parents and children but also helps children build essential skills in a natural and enjoyable way.
  • Pediatric occupational therapy resources integrate play into children's development by using purposeful activities to enhance skills and address challenges. These resources focus on promoting growth through engaging and meaningful play experiences tailored to each child's needs. Play is utilized as a tool to improve various areas such as motor skills, cognitive abilities, social interactions, and emotional well-being. By incorporating play into therapy sessions, children can learn, grow, and develop essential skills in a fun and interactive manner.
  • Messy play activities like using shaving cream can enhance a child's development by engaging multiple senses and promoting sensory exploration, which can boost cognitive development. The tactile experience of playing with shaving cream can help children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The open-ended nature of messy play encourages creativity and imagination, fostering emotional and social development. Additionally, messy play activities provide opportunities for children to learn about cause and effect, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning in a fun and interactive way.
  • Being proactive about children's upcoming milestones involves preparing them physically and creating an environment that supports their developmental progress. By anticipating and addressing potential challenges early on, parents can help children navigate new skills and transitions more smoothly. This proactive approach aims to empower children to engage fully in play and activities that promote their growth and development. It emphasizes the importance of setting the stage for success by fostering a supportive and enriching environment for children to thrive.
  • Torticollis is a condition where the neck muscles cause the head to tilt or turn to one side. This restriction can impact a child's ability to move freely and engage in play. Addressing torticollis early can help prevent potential developmental delays and support overall physical and cognitive development. By removing physical restrictions like torticollis, children can more fully participate in play activities and reach their developmental milestones.
  • Open gymnastics sessions provide children with unstructured playtime in a gym setting, allowing them to explore various movements and activities freely. These sessions promote physical development, coordination, and social interaction in a fun and engaging environment. Children can experiment with different equipment and movements, fostering creativity and confidence in their physical abilities. Overall, open gymnastics sessions offer a space for children to play, ...

Counterarguments

  • While purposeful play is beneficial, it is important to recognize that unstructured play is also crucial for a child's creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • The emphasis on structured activities and milestones might inadvertently pressure parents and children, potentially leading to anxiety or a sense of inadequacy if milestones are not met as expected.
  • The guidance provided by video clips may not be suitable for all children, especially those with special needs, who may require more personalized and adaptive play strategies.
  • The focus on home-based activities may overlook the importance of social interactions with peers, which are essential for social and emotional development.
  • The reliance on parents to implement therapeutic activities at home could lead to inconsistent application or misunderstanding of the techniques, which might be less effective than professional intervention.
  • The concept of removing physical restrictions like torticollis through play may oversimplify the complexity of such conditions, which often require specialized medical treatment.
  • The idea of translating professional tools and techniques for home use may not fully account for the expertise and nuanced understanding that trained professionals bring to therapeutic interventions.
  • The emphasis on proactive p ...

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