Why Is My Child So Tense? Understanding Stiffness, Bracing, and Resistance

If you’ve searched phrases like: 

• “child stiff when moving Portland” 

• “toddler always tense muscles” 

• “hypertonia therapy Portland” 

• “child fights movement therapy” 

You’re likely noticing something that feels hard to describe — but easy to see. 

Your child may: 

• Hold their body rigid 

• Arch or brace when picked up 

• Resist stretching 

• Feel “tight” even when relaxed 

• Fight certain movements or positions 

It can feel confusing — especially if you’ve been told the solution is to “stretch more” or “strengthen through it.” 

But stiffness isn’t always a muscle problem. 

Often, it’s a nervous system strategy. 

What Does “Stiffness” Really Mean? 

Muscle tone exists on a spectrum. 

• Low tone (hypotonia) often looks floppy. 

• High tone (hypertonia) often looks tight or rigid. 

But tone is not just about muscle tissue. It is regulated by the brain and nervous system. 

When the brain perceives uncertainty, instability, or overwhelm, it may increase muscle activation as a protective mechanism. 

Stiffness can be the body saying: 

“I don’t feel organized or safe here.” 

That changes the conversation. 

Why Some Children Brace 

Bracing can be a response to: 

• Poor balance control 

• Difficulty organizing movement 

• Sensory overload 

• Feeling physically pushed 

• Lack of predictability in movement 

When a child doesn’t fully trust their ability to control their body, the nervous system may increase tension as a form of self-protection. 

This can look like resistance during therapy. 

And it can create a frustrating cycle. 

When Stretching and Strengthening Aren’t Enough 

Physical therapy often works to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness through stretching and strengthening. 

Occupational therapy may focus on functional stability and motor control. 

Both can be helpful. 

But sometimes, increasing force against stiffness can actually increase the nervous system’s need to brace. 

If the brain is protecting, pushing harder can reinforce the protection. 

That’s why some parents searching for “hypertonia therapy Portland” feel stuck — progress may feel slow or inconsistent. 

The real issue may not be flexibility. 

It may be organization. 

Stiffness as a Learned Pattern 

The brain builds movement patterns over time. 

If early experiences involved instability, stress, or limited sensory variation, the nervous system may default to rigidity as a safe strategy. 

Stiffness then becomes habitual — even when it’s no longer necessary. 

The solution isn’t to overpower the stiffness. 

It’s to give the brain better options. 

How ABM NeuroMovement Addresses Bracing 

The Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® works directly with the nervous system’s organization of movement. 

At MoveAbilities in Portland, sessions are designed to: 

• Reduce unnecessary effort 

• Introduce subtle variations in movement 

• Help the brain detect differences 

• Support balance without forcing range 

Instead of stretching tight muscles, ABM helps the brain learn how to reduce unnecessary activation. 

Instead of pushing through resistance, it works around it. 

Instead of increasing effort, it improves coordination. 

When the brain feels safer and more organized, stiffness often decreases naturally. 

What Parents Notice 

Parents concerned about tension often report: 

• Their child feels softer or easier to move 

• Diaper changes become less of a struggle 

• Walking looks less rigid 

• Meltdowns during movement decrease 

• Therapy participation improves 

The change often feels subtle at first — but deeply meaningful. 

Not because someone forced a stretch. 

But because the nervous system found a new level of ease. 

Can ABM Be Done If We’re Already in PT? 

Yes — and sometimes it can be very supportive. 

Some families: 

• Continue PT and add ABM on a separate schedule 

• Pause other therapies temporarily to focus on nervous system regulation 

• Use ABM as a reset before returning to more structured therapy 

At MoveAbilities, there is no ideology about what parents “should” do. The focus is always on: 

• Your child’s responses 

• Your family’s capacity 

• The nervous system’s readiness 

Doing everything at once can sometimes overwhelm the brain. 

Intentional pacing often leads to better results. 

When to Consider a Different Approach 

You may want to explore ABM NeuroMovement if: 

• Your child stiffens during movement 

• Stretching increases resistance 

• Therapy feels like a physical battle 

• Progress plateaus despite consistent effort 

• You’re looking for a gentler, brain-based strategy 

Stiffness is not defiance. 
It’s information. 

And when the brain receives new information, change becomes possible. 

Can I Do ABM Without OT or PT? 

Yes — you absolutely can. Many families choose to focus solely on ABM NeuroMovement® without combining it with occupational or physical therapy. It depends on the needs of your child and the pace that feels right for your family. At MoveAbilities, we support parents in making informed, individualized decisions. Whether ABM is your starting point or a next step, it can stand on its own as a complete and respectful way to support your child’s development. 

Movement Shouldn’t Feel Like a Fight 

If your child feels tense, rigid, or resistant, it may not mean they need more force. 

They may need more safety. 

They may need more variation. 

They may need their brain to feel organized. 

And that’s exactly what ABM NeuroMovement is designed to support. 

🌿 Ready to Explore a Gentler Path? 

If you’re in the Portland area and concerned about stiffness, bracing, or resistance during therapy, MoveAbilities offers a respectful, brain-centered approach. 

👉 Contact Kathy at MoveAbilities to learn more or schedule a consultation.