What is Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Pediatric Physical Therapy is provided by a licensed Physical Therapist who is trained to provide skilled treatment to help kids improve their flexibility, strength, movement patterns, balance and coordination. The primary goal of PT is to help children move their bodies how and when they want to the best of their abilities so that they can more independently access and explore their environment.
Why Might My Child Need to see a Physical Therapist?
Physical Therapists are experts in movement and gross motor development. Gross motor skills are those which require whole body movement and which involve the large (core stabilizing) muscles of the body to perform everyday functions, such as sitting upright, standing, walking, running and jumping. They also include eye-hand coordination skills such as ball skills (throwing, catching, kicking) as well as riding a bike or a scooter and swimming. Physical therapists work with children with a wide variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to:
- Gross motor developmental delays, such as a child that is not yet walking
- Genetic Disorders (eg. Down Syndrome)
- Neurological Disorders (eg. Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries, seizure disorder)
- Spina Bifida
- Torticollis and/or plagiocephaly
- Hypotonia – Toe walking or other gait abnormalities (e.g. in-toeing)
- Poor balance/frequent falling
- Poor motor planning/impaired coordination
- Can assess a child’s need for Orthotics and Adaptive Equipment
How To Get Started/Schedule an Appointment
Children who are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms may benefit from a physical therapy evaluation. Please speak with your pediatrician about your concerns. You may also reach out using the ‘contact us’ link or emailing us (office@shinetherapyservices.com) to make a referral.