The document discusses neuro-developmental physiotherapy (NDT) offered at King Edward Preparatory for children with low muscle tone (LMT). NDT is an advanced hands-on physiotherapy approach used to address challenges with posture, movement, motor skills, muscle weakness and coordination. Children with LMT may exhibit poor posture, delayed motor skills, difficulty remaining upright, restlessness, tiring easily and avoiding physical activity. The physiotherapist works with the child, family, physicians and teachers to develop a comprehensive treatment program involving weekly sessions for 6 months to strengthen muscles and improve stability, movement and performance.

1. Dear Parent/Guardian 2015
PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Neuro-Developmental Physiotherapy (NDT)
The in-house paediatric physiotherapy offered at King Edward Preparatory is a branch of
physiotherapy called Neuro-Developmental Physiotherapy (NDT).
This type of physiotherapy refers to an advanced hands-on physical therapeutic approach
used in working with children who have challenges in posture and movement, delayed motor
skills, muscle weakness, very flexible joints and or coordination problems.
The above challenges are generally grouped into what’s referred to as “Low muscle tone”
(LMT).
Children with low muscle tone can be identified by a combination of:
- Poor posture seen in slouching, leaning on the desk or a “rounded” upper body
- Delayed gross motor skills for age norm
- Difficulty in remaining upright or often shifting positions whilst seated on the floor
- Restless at the desk, frequently shifting position or standing to do desk work
- Continuously on the move
- Tiring easily
- Avoiding physical play
- Slowness in completing work
- Clumsiness/uncoordinated movements for age norm
- Weak or inconsistent pencil grip
Kim Holland
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST
BSc Physiotherapy
NDT trained
BA PsychologyHonours
REG.HPCSA: PT0084719
PR: 072 000 021 2865
PO Box
92289
Norwood
2117
Cell:082 787 6141
kimLholland@gmail.com

2. Muscle weakness or LMT is frequently identified by a child’s difficulty in gross motor tasks
and fine motor skills. This is due to a lack of muscle strength close to the body (the shoulder
girdle), which limits freedom of movement in muscles further away from the body (the wrist
and pencil grip), affecting ability.
Therefore focused strengthening of specific muscles by an NDT trained physiotherapist has a
profound effect on the child’s confidence, gross and fine motor abilities and therefore their
overall development.
Low muscle tone can effect a child’s concentration within the classroom in which they may
miss out on important information and instructions. This lack of muscle endurance causes a
distraction in the need to continually adjust their posture to remain upright.
The physiotherapist works collaboratively with the individual, his family and caregivers, as
well as physicians, and other members of the rehabilitation team if necessary to develop and
implement a comprehensive treatment program to strengthen muscles, improve stability,
enhance all movements and improve the child’s overall performance level.
Treatment is usually given weekly for a minimum of 6 months, with a home programme to
further aid in the therapeutic process.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any queries or if your child requires an assessment
and weekly therapy.
Regards
Kim Holland
082 787 6141
kimLholland@gmail.com