The Value of Physical Therapy

The physical therapists at Conquer are making everyday life changes to the people who they encounter. The traditional belief is that physical therapy provides services to individuals who are struggling with walking or running due to a condition or injury.  While PTs are highly skilled in ambulation, their expertise spans wide to create meaning and fulfillment in people’s lives.  

Physical Therapy Defined

Physical therapists are highly educated and trained professionals. They have the goal of optimizing movement in order to improve the human experience.

“Physical therapists envision a world where every child can experience a fulfilling life”

Kelsie Wideman, Conquer PT

PT involves the client and their loved ones. They help clients to reach their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments. 

The Many Skills Physical Therapy Addresses

Physical therapists have specific expertise in movement, motor development, and body function. They provide education and guidance to help support families in these areas. Examples of this can include:

  • 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

Collaboration 

PTs believe that families, caregivers, and teachers have a critical role in helping individuals reach their goals. Physical therapists at Conquer involves the client’s support team so there is carryover and generalization of skills.  PT sessions also incorporate collaboration with the family to promote development and implement an individualized intervention program for each client.  In doing this, physical therapists create meaningful connections and relationships with the children and families they serve. 

The Physical Therapy Process

The process of supporting individuals and their families begins with an interview, or conversation, to identify the child’s needs and family’s concerns.  After we determine your specific needs and concerns, we evaluate the child or young adult 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: the ability to use muscles against gravity
  • Tone: a muscle’s natural resistance to stretch
  • Posture: the alignment of the body in various positions
  • Balance: the ability to maintain upright and steady and to keep oneself from falling
  • Coordination: the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly
  • Endurance: the ability to remain active for long periods of time
  • Functional Mobility: the ability to move 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

Resources for the Young Child

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:

Give us a Call if you have physical therapy concerns for your child or young adult, please contact us to schedule an evaluation with one of our amazing physical therapists!

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