Question
An eight-month-old girl can sit steadily, but she is unable to sit up from a prone position. Observation shows that when she is lying on her stomach, her hands are often turned backward, and even when placed in front, she cannot support her upper body. When picked up, her arms sometimes bend backward. Is this a sign of high muscle tone?
Answer
Muscle tone is the foundation for maintaining body posture and normal movement, and it manifests in various ways. In a static state, the tension present in the muscles of various body parts is known as static muscle tone. If muscle tone is abnormally high, muscle relaxants may be required, but they must be used under medical guidance to avoid risks. In cases of increased muscle tone, patients’ joint movements are restricted, making it difficult to perform upright actions. While medication can reduce muscle tone, complete relief may be more challenging.