Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the precise movements of small muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists. These skills are crucial for performing tasks that require dexterity, coordination, and control. From writing and drawing to buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces, fine motor skills underpin many of our daily activities. 

As easy as it sounds, there are many parts that have to work together to make them function appropriately.  

• Grasp/Grip
• Finger Isolation
• Separation of the two sides of the hand
• Thumb opposition
• In-Hand Manipulation
• Open Web Space
• Wrist Stability and Range of Motion
• Arch Development
• Intrinsic Hand Strength
• Joint Flexion
• Hand Dominance
• Bilateral Coordination

And yes... 

• Postural Control/ Core Strength & Stability
• Shoulder Strength & Stability

A stable and strong trunk will Promote coordination and movability in the hands and fingers.

Let me break it down for you. 

• Proximal = Close to the trunk/center of the body
• Stability = State of being stable
• Distal = Away from the center of the body
• Mobility = Ability to move freely and easily

This means that it is VITAL for our children to crawl!!! I always advocate to my client's that crawling is very important for development and at all costs should not be skipped.

• Opening doors/cabinets
• Manipulating toothpaste lid
• Squeezing toothpaste/ shampoo/ conditioner
• Brushing teeth
• Brushing hair
• Using soap and washing hands
• Using a washcloth
• Taking off and putting on clothes
• Buttoning, zipping, and completing snaps/ buckles
• Pouring, scooping, stirring, spreading food
• Utilizing spoon/fork to eat
• Using a cup to drink/ opening a water bottle
• Cleaning up
• Toileting
• Playing with toys
• Drawing, cutting, gluing, writing
• And soooo much more....

A child may develop delays for a number of reasons and not all will need physical intervention. If you are concerned about your child, talk to their pediatrician and ask for a referral for Occupational Therapy. 

Correlation with fine motor delays: 

• Premature Birth
• Genetic such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome
• Muscle Disorders such as Muscular Dystrophy
• Neurological Disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Angelman Syndrome
• Developmental Disorders such as ASD, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities
• Vision Impairment
• SKIPPED CRAWLING!!
• Decreased opportunities to participate in tasks
• Trauma

Occupational Therapists are skilled at task analysis. This is key in breaking down a seemingly simple task and figuring out where the child is beginning to have difficulty. We are also very creative and can find fun and new ways to help build fine motor strength that correlates with functional tasks. 

OTs will begin by: 

1. Assessing the level of delay
2. Create a plan of care
3. Monitor improvements