Physical Therapy

What is pediatric Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapists  work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments. Physical therapists have expertise in movement, motor development, and body function.  PTs also promote health and wellness as they implement a wide variety of supports in collaboration with families, communities.

‍

Does my child need Physical Therapy?

• They are not meeting the expected developmental milestones during the first year of life (rolling, sitting, standing, walking).
• They have a strong preference for turning their head to one side or using one side of their body
• They walk up on the balls of their feet or walk in an atypical/awkward manner
• They have difficulty keeping up with their peers during play
• They are not able to perform the same gross motor tasks (hopping, jumping, skipping) as their peers
• They frequently trip and fall when walking
• They complain of pain when performing gross motor tasks

‍

Benefits of Physical Therapy

PT for your child can help him/her learn to successfully and independently perform gross motor skills and functional mobility skills. As a child begins to successfully develop these skills, it creates a greater form of independence that helps contribute to achieving a higher sense of self-esteem.  PT can help improve , gross motor coordination, range of motion,  strength, balance, reflexes, posture/positioning and tone.