Let’s Talk Tone: A Look Into Hypotonia

What is Hypotonia? 

Hypotonia is the medical term used to describe decreased tone or tension within the muscles. It is important to note that muscle tone and muscle strength are NOT the same thing. Muscle strength refers to the actual physical properties of the muscle, whereas muscle tone refers to the amount of tension in the muscle when it is at rest. To a large degree we are able to control and modulate our muscle strength, whereas tone is determined largely by our neurology and is out of conscious control. 

How does muscle tone work?

The brain sends signals (via nerves) to the muscle that direct the amount of tension that muscle will have at rest. If a muscle has very low muscle tone, then more effort is required to contract the muscle. The same muscle contraction might not be held for a long time. For a child, this increased effort or energy spent contracting muscles can lead to fatigue sooner than peers with typical tone development. 

Low tone? Why does it matter?

Since Hypotonia affects the way muscles contract as well as the duration of the muscle contraction, children may also experience difficulty with posture, ligament and joint laxity, as well as poor reflexes. A child with low tone may tend to avoid activities that require extra effort by acting out when challenged or by simply retreating from the activity. These children may be described as “observers”. These children are often considered easy going and calm since they may not be as active as their peers. The problem with this is that these difficulties usually go unnoticed until they reach a point where they are required to write and perform other fine motor activities.

What to do? Therapy and home strategies 

Speech and Language:

Will address difficulties with speech or swallowing

Physical Therapy:

Will address concerns regarding mobility, balance, posture, and gross motor skills

Occupational Therapy:

Will address concerns with postural stability, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, printing, and sensory or coordination challenges that may result from Hypotonia

Home:

Parents, please remember that Hypotonia does not mean a child cannot learn a new physical skill.  However, it may mean that a child will require more time and extra practice to gain the strength required for an activity. Since it is easy for children to become frustrated when activities are challenging, it is extra important to provide playful activities that are fun yet also allow them the opportunity to practice and get on the right track to better muscle tone!