What Is Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Pediatric Physical Therapy can be a key component of your child’s recovery and development of age-appropriate gross motor skills. Working with a physical therapist will help your child explore their environment, while building the strength, balance and coordination necessary to play and learn at home and school.

Our approach to pediatric physical therapy is multifaceted. We will address your child’s current difficulties and promote a lifetime of health, wellness and tools for injury prevention. We work together with you and your pediatrician to help promote optimal function and ongoing health, wellness and fitness for you and your child.

Common Reasons for Seeking Pediatric Physical Therapy:

• My child is not achieving his/her gross motor skills or is behind children of their same age.
• My baby has a flat spot on his or her head.
• My child is moving but not symmetrically.
• My baby has no interest in moving.
• My baby does not like tummy time.
• When parents ask,  “What is tummy time and/or Why is it important” ???
• My child sustained an orthopedic injury and would like to return to sports/play.
• My child has pain, anywhere!

Common Diagnoses Treated:

• Positional Plagiocephaly
• Torticollis
• Developmental Delay (causes known and unknown)
• Gross Motor Difficulties  
• General Orthopedic Injuries
• Sensory-Processing Disorders
• Coordination and Balance Disorders
• Toe Walking
• General Muscle Weakness
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

What to Expect at Your First Visit:

You and your infant/child will meet with our pediatric physical therapists for a one-on-one session where they will ask you questions about your child’s developmental history, current symptoms and your goals for your child’s development and/or rehabilitation. Your PT will observe your child’s movements as they play and interact with the environment. This will be specifically set up to include age appropriate toys and activities that provoke movement.

Your PT will perform a physical exam of your child’s strength, range of motion, balance and coordination while observing his or her gross motor abilities and identifying areas that need improvement. Your PT will review their findings with you and work with you to make a rehabilitation plan to help your child improve their gross motor skills.

What to Expect at Follow-up Treatment Sessions:

Based on the information obtained from the evaluation, your PT will create a treatment plan consisting of parent education, facilitated play and manual therapy, if appropriate, to address your child’s specific needs and goals.