Sensory Innovations

Sensory Innovations Sensory Innovations is Redding newest and only sensory wellness center, promoting sensory processing for all ages! Contact us to book your visit!

We offer therapy services, educational classes, open ended play opportunities, & special event hosting.

Some kids seem like they’re constantly moving — climbing, jumping, spinning, crashing, or running from one activity to t...
03/21/2026

Some kids seem like they’re constantly moving — climbing, jumping, spinning, crashing, or running from one activity to the next.

Sometimes this is labeled as “hyperactive.” But in many cases, the child’s nervous system may actually be seeking vestibular input.

The vestibular system helps the brain understand movement, balance, and body position in space. Some children naturally need more movement input to feel regulated and focused.

You might notice them:
• Spinning frequently
• Jumping or crashing into things
• Constantly changing positions
• Struggling to sit still for long periods

Movement isn’t always a problem to eliminate — sometimes it’s the body’s way of trying to regulate itself.

At Sensory Innovations, we look at how the nervous system processes movement and help children develop strategies that support attention, regulation, and participation.

Because sometimes what looks like “too much energy” is actually a sensory system asking for the input it needs.

Our office will be closed to the public today from 12:30-2:30 for a private event! We’d love to see you any other time t...
03/21/2026

Our office will be closed to the public today from 12:30-2:30 for a private event! We’d love to see you any other time today for drop in play!! 🎉

Easter break events coming in HOT! 🔥 sign ups are happening NOW!!
03/18/2026

Easter break events coming in HOT! 🔥 sign ups are happening NOW!!

When kids cheat at board games, it’s often not about being sneaky — it can be related to executive functioning skills th...
03/17/2026

When kids cheat at board games, it’s often not about being sneaky — it can be related to executive functioning skills that are still developing.

Board games require several brain skills at once, including:

• Impulse control – waiting your turn and following rules
• Working memory – remembering what the rules are
• Cognitive flexibility – adapting when things don’t go your way
• Frustration tolerance – handling losing or unexpected outcomes

For some children, those skills are still building. When the brain feels overwhelmed, they may bend the rules, rush their turn, or change the outcome.

That doesn’t mean they’re being dishonest — it can simply mean their brain is still learning how to manage those demands.

Games are actually a great way to practice executive functioning in a fun, low-pressure environment. 👏

What's your child's favorite board game??

Did you know? “Low tone” doesn’t mean a child is weak — it means their muscles have less resting tension.Muscle tone hel...
03/15/2026

Did you know? “Low tone” doesn’t mean a child is weak — it means their muscles have less resting tension.

Muscle tone helps our bodies maintain posture and stability without having to think about it. When tone is lower, children may have to work much harder to stay upright, coordinated, and stable during everyday activities.

You might notice:
• Slouching when sitting
• W-sitting frequently
• Fatiguing quickly during play
• Difficulty with balance or coordination
• Leaning on furniture or people for support

Because their bodies have to recruit more effort just to maintain posture, tasks like writing, climbing, or sitting at a desk can be more tiring.

The good news: strength and stability can absolutely improve! 💪

Using targeted movements, core strengthening, and functional activities, therapy helps children build the muscular support their bodies need for better endurance, coordination, and confidence.

Open event happening tomorrow, FYI! BUT -- we are still open to the public for lots of PLAY! 🌈 😊
03/14/2026

Open event happening tomorrow, FYI!

BUT -- we are still open to the public for lots of PLAY! 🌈 😊

Sensory Innovations was created with a simple goal: to build a place where individuals and families feel supported, incl...
03/14/2026

Sensory Innovations was created with a simple goal: to build a place where individuals and families feel supported, included, and empowered to grow.

Our environment was intentionally designed by occupational therapists to activate different sensory systems and support emotional, physical, and mental well-being through meaningful experiences.

We know that engaging in everyday activities can be challenging for individuals with unique needs — and for the families who support them. That’s why we’ve created a space where people of all ages can build skills, confidence, and connection.

At the heart of Sensory Innovations is a belief that when people have the right support and environment, their potential can expand in incredible ways.

We love all of you! 💙

“Just try a sensory diet.”You’ve probably heard that advice before.But here’s the problem: sensory diets aren’t meant to...
03/11/2026

“Just try a sensory diet.”

You’ve probably heard that advice before.

But here’s the problem: sensory diets aren’t meant to be generic activity lists. They’re supposed to be individualized therapeutic plans based on a child’s specific sensory profile‼️

Two children might both struggle with regulation — but for completely different reasons.

One child may be sensory seeking.
Another may be sensory avoidant.
Another may have difficulty processing and integrating input.

If the underlying need isn’t identified first, the activities may not help — and sometimes they can even make regulation harder.

A true sensory diet should be based on a thorough evaluation, looking at how a child processes vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, and auditory input throughout their day.

At Sensory Innovations, we start with understanding the nervous system first — then build strategies that actually support regulation, attention, and participation in daily life.

Did you know? W-sitting is common in young children — and it’s not always a problem.Many kids sit this way because it gi...
03/09/2026

Did you know? W-sitting is common in young children — and it’s not always a problem.

Many kids sit this way because it gives them a very stable base of support, especially when their core muscles are still developing.

But when W-sitting becomes a child’s primary sitting position, it can sometimes be a clue that something else is going on.

Frequent W-sitting may be associated with:
• Core weakness
• Decreased trunk rotation
• Hip or leg alignment differences
• Delayed postural control

When children stay in this position for long periods, it can also limit opportunities to develop balance reactions and trunk strength.

That said — occasional W-sitting isn’t harmful.

What matters most is whether a child can easily move in and out of different sitting positions and maintain good posture during play.

If you’re noticing your child W-sitting frequently, a pediatric OT or PT can help assess posture, strength, and movement patterns.

Sometimes it’s just a phase — and sometimes it’s useful information about how a child’s body is developing.

Insurance can help families access therapy — but it doesn’t always tell the full story.Many plans place limits on:• Numb...
03/07/2026

Insurance can help families access therapy — but it doesn’t always tell the full story.

Many plans place limits on:
• Number of visits
• Length of care
• Types of services covered
• Medical necessity requirements

This means decisions about a child’s care are sometimes influenced by coverage rules, not just clinical needs.

At Sensory Innovations, our goal is always the same:
to provide therapy that supports meaningful progress for each child.

While we do work with insurance, we also work with families who choose private-pay options so their child can receive OT or PT without being limited by insurance restrictions.

If you’ve ever wondered why therapy plans sometimes look different depending on coverage — that’s why.

Every child deserves access to support that helps them grow, move, and thrive. 😊

Did you know? Most young children naturally have flat feet.In early childhood, the arch often hasn’t developed yet due t...
03/05/2026

Did you know? Most young children naturally have flat feet.

In early childhood, the arch often hasn’t developed yet due to normal ligament laxity and a fat pad in the foot. For many kids, the arch forms gradually between ages 3–10.

Flat feet are usually completely normal if:
• Your child has no pain
• They run and play without difficulty
• An arch appears when standing on tiptoes (flexible flatfoot)

But it may be worth evaluating if you notice:
• Foot, leg, or ankle pain
• Frequent fatigue during activity
• Significant ankle rolling (pronation)
• Difficulty keeping up with peers

Most flat feet don’t require treatment — but when they affect function, endurance, or alignment, a pediatric PT can assess strength, mechanics, and movement patterns.

Because not all flat feet are the same! 🦶

Some kids love climbing, swinging, and jumping.Others feel terrified. Not just hesitant — terrified.They may:• Panic whe...
03/03/2026

Some kids love climbing, swinging, and jumping.

Others feel terrified. Not just hesitant — terrified.

They may:
• Panic when their feet leave the ground
• Refuse swings or slides
• Freeze on climbing equipment
• Avoid playground structures
• Cling tightly to parents or railings
• Move very cautiously or slowly

This can be a sign of gravitational insecurity.

Gravitational insecurity happens when the vestibular system (the part of the inner ear that processes balance and movement) has difficulty interpreting changes in head position and body movement through space.

When that system feels unpredictable, the brain interprets movement as unsafe.

So the child isn’t being dramatic.
Their nervous system is responding to a perceived threat.

Children with gravitational insecurity often prefer:
• Staying close to the ground
• Predictable surfaces
• Slow, controlled movement
• Avoiding heights or unstable equipment

The good news: the vestibular system can improve with graded exposure and therapeutic movement.

In OT and PT, we carefully introduce movement in ways that feel safe and successful — gradually helping the brain learn that movement through space is predictable and manageable.

Over time, kids who once avoided movement can build confidence, balance, and trust in their bodies.

Address

20 Hilltop Drive, St A
Redding, CA
96003

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+15307805559

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