Handwriting (OT) Statesville, NC

Handwriting Therapy Statesville (OT)

How can Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Help a Child with Handwriting?

Writing is a big part of a child’s life. In fact, from kindergarten to 5th grade, it is estimated that approximately 24-58% of a child’s time in the classroom is spent writing on paper.

While we don’t typically think about it in our day-to-day lives, there are a lot of body mechanics that go into handwriting. There needs to be fluid coordination between the fingers, hands, arms, eyes, and body posture at all times. For some children – approximately 10-30% – this can prove difficult.

Fortunately, physical therapy and occupational therapy can help. At Endeavors Pediatric Therapy in Statesville, NC, we understand that proficiency in handwriting is a catalyst for many important factors in your child’s life, such as self-esteem, physical development, literacy skills, memorization, and creative writing. Once handwriting is correctly grasped, these factors considerably improve.

If your child is having difficulty writing, don’t hesitate to contact our pediatric therapy clinic in Statesville, NC today. We’ll provide your child with the resources he or she needs to be successful in the classroom!

Clinic8-Endeavors-Pediatric-Therapy-Services-Statesville-NC.jpg

Why is my child having trouble writing?

There is a long list of reasons children may have difficulty with handwriting, and working with a physical therapist is a great way to build the strength and routine necessary to develop strong penmanship skills. Whether there is a need to improve hand-eye coordination, work through potential developmental issues like ADHD, or build muscle development, working with a physical therapist is a great strategy to get you started off on the right foot.

Good handwriting is not something that will happen overnight. In time, they will learn how to write the letters and will want to start forming words and sentences, and this is when it is time to start really focusing on ways to teach proper penmanship. As time goes on, if there are still fundamental issues with the formation of letters, numbers, and even the ability to write in a straight line, then it may be time to develop strategies to improve handwriting before they take those poor habits into adulthood. As with anything else in life, when it comes to improving handwriting, practice makes perfect. 

How will physical therapy and occupational therapy help my child write better?

Physical therapy will help build strength in areas of the upper extremities that your child may be struggling with. This is a common reason for handwriting struggles in pediatric patients. Once strength is built in the weaker areas, it will be easier for your child to learn the proper mechanics of handwriting.

Occupational therapy, while similar, focuses more on the everyday handwriting tasks your child may be presented within the classroom. An occupational therapist will also focus on problem areas with the upper extremities by working with your child to improve grasping, writing, and dexterity with normal activities. 

Recommendations for adaptive equipment with grasping, reaching, and writing may also be suggested by your child’s occupational therapist in circumstances where extra assistance may be needed. Occupational therapy plays an important role in adapting tools and equipment to enhance independence with life’s daily activities.

Help improve your child’s handwriting today!

We understand how difficult it can be to watch your child struggle in the classroom. At Endeavors Pediatric Therapy, we are here to help. If you are looking for pediatric therapy in Statesville, NC, look no further. We’ll help improve your child’s handwriting skills so he or she can thrive in the classroom! Contact us today!