Helping children build strength, stability, and better movement control
Hypotonia, or low muscle tone, affects a child’s ability to maintain posture, strength, and endurance during movement. Children with hypotonia may appear “floppy,” tire easily, or struggle with balance and coordination. While muscle tone itself cannot be changed, physiotherapy plays a key role in strengthening muscles, improving stability, and supporting efficient movement patterns.
At Next Level Speech and Physiotherapy Dubai, our pediatric physiotherapists design structured, child-friendly programs that help children with hypotonia move with greater confidence and control.
Families across Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island, and nearby areas rely on us for personalised, development-focused care.
To explore related services, visit our Pediatric Physiotherapy page.
How Low Muscle Tone Affects Children
Children with hypotonia may experience:
- Delayed motor milestones such as sitting, crawling, or walking
- Poor posture or slouched sitting
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Quick fatigue during physical activity
- Joint hypermobility or “loose” joints
- Challenges with running, jumping, or climbing
- Reduced endurance for play and school activities
These challenges can impact daily routines, participation in sports, and overall confidence.
Why Hypotonia Occurs
Low muscle tone can be associated with:
- Genetic or chromosomal conditions
- Developmental delays
- Neurological conditions
- Premature birth
- Connective tissue differences
- Sensory processing challenges
- Benign congenital hypotonia
Identifying contributing factors helps guide appropriate therapy planning.
Assessment: Understanding Your Child’s Strength and Stability
Our evaluation focuses on how your child moves, stabilises, and responds to physical challenges. This includes:
- Observation of posture in sitting and standing
- Core strength and trunk stability assessment
- Muscle endurance testing
- Balance and coordination evaluation
- Joint alignment and mobility review
- Functional movement tasks such as transitions, walking, and play
- Review of developmental history and daily activity tolerance
Parents receive clear explanations and a realistic therapy roadmap.
Therapy Focus: Building Functional Strength
Physiotherapy for hypotonia aims to improve muscle performance and movement efficiency. Therapy may include:
- Core strengthening exercises to improve trunk control
- Postural training for sitting, standing, and dynamic tasks
- Strengthening of major muscle groups
- Balance and coordination activities
- Endurance-building exercises through play
- Functional movement training for daily activities
- Motor skill development for age-appropriate tasks
- Activities that promote stability without excessive fatigue
Sessions are engaging and carefully paced to avoid overexertion.
Supporting Motor Control Through Everyday Activities
We help children translate therapy gains into real-life movement by focusing on:
- Smooth transitions between positions
- Controlled movement during play and sports
- Improved coordination during running and jumping
- Better posture during school and daily routines
- Safe participation in physical activities
This approach supports long-term functional independence.
Home Strategies for Continued Improvement
Consistent practice at home is essential. We provide:
- Simple strengthening and balance exercises
- Activity-based routines that fit into daily life
- Guidance on reducing fatigue during play
- Tips to support posture and alignment at home
- Recommendations for suitable activities and toys
Families may also choose home-based physiotherapy sessions for convenience.
Monitoring Progress Over Time
Children with hypotonia benefit from regular reassessment, especially during growth phases. We monitor:
- Strength and endurance improvements
- Postural control changes
- Balance and coordination progress
- Ability to participate in age-appropriate activities
- Need for progression or modification of exercises
Programs are adjusted to match your child’s development and goals.
Why Families Choose Next Level Speech and Physiotherapy Dubai
Parents trust our team because we provide:
- DHA-licensed pediatric physiotherapists experienced in tone-related conditions
- Individualised therapy plans tailored to each child
- A supportive, encouraging environment
- Clinic and home-based therapy options
- Clear communication and parent education
- Long-term support for developmental and neurological needs
Our goal is to help children with hypotonia move with greater strength, stability, and confidence.
Book an Assessment
We support children and families from Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR, Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah, and nearby areas.
To schedule an appointment, please contact us.
Low Tone Does Not Mean Low Ability
Children with hypotonia are sometimes underestimated because they appear floppy or tire easily. In reality, many children with low muscle tone are capable learners who simply require different movement strategies and more support for stability.
Physiotherapy focuses on building strength around joints, improving posture, and enhancing endurance so that children can move efficiently without excessive fatigue. Progress may be gradual, but gains are meaningful and long-lasting.
By supporting stability and motor control, children with hypotonia often gain confidence, independence, and greater participation in play and daily activities.
FAQs – Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone)
1. Can physiotherapy change muscle tone?
Physiotherapy does not change tone itself but strengthens muscles and improves stability, making movement more efficient.
2. When should a child with hypotonia start therapy?
Early intervention is recommended as soon as hypotonia is identified to support motor development.
3. Will my child always have low muscle tone?
Some children improve significantly over time. Physiotherapy helps them function confidently despite low tone.
4. Is hypotonia the same as muscle weakness?
Not exactly. Hypotonia refers to reduced resistance in muscles, but weakness can coexist. Therapy addresses both.
5. How long will therapy take?
Duration varies depending on the child’s needs. Some require short-term support, others benefit from ongoing therapy.
6. Can children with hypotonia participate in sports?
Yes. With appropriate strengthening and guidance, many children participate safely and successfully.
7. Are home exercises important?
Yes. Consistent home practice greatly improves outcomes.
8. Do you offer home physiotherapy for hypotonia?
Yes. Home-based sessions are available for families who prefer them.
9. Will my child tire easily during therapy?
Sessions are carefully paced to build endurance gradually without excessive fatigue.
10. How do I get started?
Simply reach out via our Contact Us page to book an assessment.