Physical Therapy

 

Physical therapists focus on how a child moves from one position to another as well as strength, coordination and balance. The possess a specific knowledge base of anatomy, neurology, and physiology and ultize these skills to assess each childs movement patterns. We use a play-based therapy model in order to keep the children motivated while continuously challenging the children to be successful!

 

The following functional skills are addressed by physical therapists:

 

• Rolling

• Sitting

• Crawling

• Cruising (e.g., walking along the edge of the couch)

• Walking

• Running

• Skipping

• Hopping

• Navigating the playground

• Participating in recreation

 

 

Physical therapy may be indicated to further develop motor skills such as sitting, crawling, walking, or balancing.  Other issues that may be addressed are a loss of range of motion, flexibility, or strength, possibly due to injury, illness, or surgery.  Our physical therapists, with special training in pediatric medical conditions, will  evaluate a patient’s specific needs and design a unique program to address functional deficits. Physical therapists are also trained to address many other areas, including children who may have a neurological or genetic disorder, or children who have abnormal or poor posture, abnormal muscle tone influencing gross motor skills, awkward walking, jumping or running patterns and toe walkers.

 

 

If you’re concerned about your child’s physical development, it’s best to first speak with your pediatrician.  If it’s determined an evaluation is appropriate, your doctor will provide you with a prescription for a Physical Therapy evaluation. After the evaluation, the therapist will analyze the clinical findings and recommend the most appropriate plan to move forward, including, if treatment is recommended, what specific goals should be addressed, and what you can do to support your child’s program at home.