Proprioception- All the facts!

It’s a fancy word for the sensory input that gets transferred from our joints and muscles to tell us about our body position in relation to our environment. It’s really that simple. Input from the environment is received through muscle contraction and relaxation in pushing, pulling, carrying, jumping, kicking, etc.

Ever bump into a wall you saw was there? Or knock over a glass when you reach for it? Your body misjudged the force and position of your body in relation to that wall, or wine… I mean water glass…

What does proprioceptive dysfunction look like in children?

For children, proprioceptive dysfunction can present as:

  • clumsy
  • uncoordinated
  • poor posture
  • increased time to complete tasks
  • poor body awareness
  • significant challenges with learning new tasks
  • frequently bumping into people or furniture

Proprioception Activities

Here are some activities parents can teach to improve proprioceptive processing:

  • Tug-o-war, or anything with pushing or pulling
  • Climbing play structures
  • Crawling on and over uneven surfaces like couch cushions
  • Animal Walks
  • Jumping activities

Samantha Stiles, MS, OTR/L 

CEO, Occupational Therapist

As a pediatric therapist I know what it takes to really address feeding, sensory, and emotional challenges in children. I’m talking the kind of exponential growth that changes the course of lives. But this type of transformation requires time, parent involvement, and extra guidance.

When parents arrive inside the world of Empower Kids Therapy, they find a fresh spark of hope, a different way of thinking, and a sense of being understood.

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Ms.Sam - Pediatric Occupational Therapist

In-home occupational therapy services focused on sensory processing, feeding & infant development
📍 Orlando, FL

✨ 6 Signs Occupational Therapy is Working for Your Child ✨

1️⃣ More independence in daily routines
When your child starts brushing their teeth, getting dressed, or feeding themselves with less help, it’s a big step toward confidence.

2️⃣ Improved emotional regulation
You may notice fewer meltdowns, or that they can calm down faster after being upset. That means they’re learning tools to manage big feelings.

3️⃣ Confidence in trying new things
Instead of avoiding challenges, your child might start experimenting and showing excitement for activities that once felt too hard.

4️⃣ Stronger motor skills
Fine motor (like holding a pencil or managing buttons) and gross motor (like climbing or balancing) skills begin to show steady improvement.

5️⃣ Better focus and attention
Whether it’s staying at the table for a meal, completing homework, or engaging in play, longer attention spans mean stronger self-control.

6️⃣ Joy in accomplishment
You’ll see the smiles, the pride, and the little “I did it!” moments. That’s when progress really shines.

💚 Progress is unique for every child, but noticing these changes means therapy is making a difference. At Empower Kids, we celebrate every single step forward.