Pediatric Physical Therapy
Our pediatric physical therapists offer evaluation and treatment for newborns through young adults who have injuries, illnesses or conditions that affect their physical health. Our outpatient services are family-centered and focus on improving range of motion, strength, posture, motor control, coordination, balance and functional ability. We are committed to working closely with our patients and their families to create an individualized and evidence-based program focused on setting and achieving functional goals. Our ultimate goal is to maximize our patients’ independence in all areas of their life, including at home, school and in their community. We involve parents in all aspects of decision-making throughout treatment and highly encourage parent participation in our sessions.
Conditions we treat
Our pediatric physical therapy staff works with a variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to:
- Orthopedic conditions (pre- and post-operative management, pain, limb loss/deficiency, tumor)
- Neurological conditions or trauma (cerebral palsy, muscle disorders, spina bifida, stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury)
- Infant development (torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental delay)
- Foot conditions (toe walking, clubfeet, foot deformities)
- Congenital conditions
- Balance and coordination deficits
- Concussions and vestibular conditions
- Gait disorders
- Posture deviations
Services we provide
Our team will work closely with your medical team to manage care and optimize your outcomes, using the following services:
- Functional mobility training
- Balance and gait retraining
- Serial casting, splinting and orthotic/prosthetic management
- Post-concussion and vestibular rehabilitation
- Post-oncology rehabilitation
- Body mechanics and positioning education
- Adaptive equipment management
- Exercise programming
- Assistance with pain relief and management
- Weight management
- Family education and training
Preparing for your child’s physical therapy appointment
- It is important that the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) be present at the initial appointment.
- If possible, explain to your child what physical therapy is and why they are having an evaluation. Explain to them that they can expect to play and have fun!
- Have your child wear sneakers and dress comfortably in clothing that is easy to move in.
- Bring any orthotics, braces or adaptive equipment that your child may already own.
- Write down and bring any questions you may have to the appointment.
- Bring any appropriate outside medical or school reports that you think will help us better understand your child.
- Plan for an hour of discussion, assessment and treatment.
Our mission is to provide your child with the highest quality care and help you understand the role and benefits of physical therapy. During your initial visit, our therapists will gather information about your child’s specific needs and concerns through discussion, evaluation and any outcome measures they deem appropriate. They will then work with you to develop a plan of care, offer education and home programming ideas and discuss any referrals that may benefit your child. Open communication among the therapist, family and medical care team is vital. We look forward to working with you!
