What is Pediatric Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy is therapy provided by highly educated and trained professionals who have the goal of optimizing movement in order to improve the human experience. Pediatric physical therapists envision a world where every child can experience a fulfilling life. 

Pediatric physical therapists work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential in order to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments. 

Physical Therapists Collaborate With You

Parents and families have such an important role in their child’s development. Pediatric physical therapists collaborate with the family to promote development and implement an individualized intervention program for each child. In doing this, physical therapists create meaningful connections and relationships with the children and families they serve. Physical therapists have specific expertise in movement, motor development, and body function and provide education and guidance to help support families in these areas.

Ways PT Helps You

• Positioning during daily routines and activities 
• Adapting toys for play 
• Expanding mobility options 
• Using equipment effectively 
• Educating in activities and exercises to increase quality of movements • Facilitating safety for the home and community 
• Accessing community programs and resources 
• Assisting with smooth transitions from early childhood to school and into adult life 

Physical Therapy Assessment

The process of supporting children and families begins with an interview, or conversation, to identify the child’s needs and family’s concerns and continues with an examination and evaluation of the child in the context of their daily routines and activities. This examination may include, but is not limited to: 

• Range of Motion: how far a joint can bend or straighten 
• Strength: using muscles against gravity 
• Tone: a muscle’s natural resistance to stretch 
• Posture: alignment of the body in various positions 
• Balance: maintaining upright and steady and to keep oneself from falling
• Coordination: using different parts of the body together smoothly
• Endurance: the ability to remain active for long periods of time 
• Functional Mobility: moving independently and safely in order to accomplish functional activities or tasks (rolling, crawling, cruising, walking, squatting, stair climbing)
• Gross motor skills: tasks that involve large muscles (sitting, crawling, standing, walking, stair climbing, ball skills such as catching, throwing and kicking, jumping, running, hopping, skipping) 
• Access to the Playground: ability to safely navigate various surfaces and uneven terrains, climbing, swinging, sliding 
• Adaptive Equipment: equipment such as supportive strollers, standing frames, wheelchairs, gait trainers, walkers, canes and crutches; orthotics such as arch supports or braces for feet and legs 

Additional Resources from Our Physical Therapists

If you are concerned your child may have issues with any of the above listed areas, there are lots of great resources to help monitor development and encourage movement in your child. Check out: 

• Tummy Time
• Movement & Coordination for Newborns
• Movement & Coordination for 1-3 Month Olds
• Movement & Coordination for 4-7 Month Olds
• Movement & Coordination for 8-12 Month Olds
• Movement & Coordination for 1-2 Year Olds
• CDC’s Developmental Milestones

If you have physical therapy concerns for your child, contact us to schedule an evaluation with one of our amazing physical therapists!