Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy?
What services does Physical Therapy provide?
How can Physical Therapy help children?
What are some conditions in children that may require Physical Therapy?
What are some signs that my child may benefit from Physical Therapy?

What is Physical Therapy?

PT is a rehabilitation and healthcare profession that assists patients of all ages through evaluation, treatment and education to lead a full and satisfying life within their family, school and community. Physical therapist’s address areas such as gross motor development (ball skills, running, coordination of the larger muscles), muscle strength & endurance, muscle range of motion, posture, and cardio-pulmonary endurance.

What Services Does Physical Therapy Provide?

• Developmental evaluation and treatment
• Gross motor evaluation and treatment
• Physical fitness evaluation and treatment
• Orthopedic dysfunction evaluation and treatment
• Cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation
• Strength training
• Sports counseling
• Pool (aquatic) therapy
• Breathing training

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How Can Physical Therapy Help Children?

Physical therapy can assist children and infants in achieving age-appropriate gross motor skills. Physical therapy can improve cardio-pulmonary, and skeletal muscle strength and endurance. All improvements help infants and children participate in age-appropriate activities. Physical therapists also work to improve deficits caused by orthopedic injuries, disease, disability, and developmental delay.

What are Some Conditions in Children That May Require Physical and/or Occupational Therapy?

• Developmental delays
• Learning disabilities
• Delayed motor development
• Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
• Arthritis
• Neurological conditions
• Orthopedic conditions
• Prematurity
• Visual Difficulties
• Delayed Coordination
• Decreased Muscle strength
• Decreased muscle endurance
• Unable to keep up with peers
• Osteoporosis
• Feeding difficulties

What Are Some Signs That My Child May Benefit From Physical Therapy?

• Difficulty participating in physical activities
• Poor gross motor skills (catching, throwing balls, hopping on one foot, jumping, skipping, etc.)
• Difficulty moving arms and legs due to joint swelling, contractures and/or pain
• Unable to keep up with peers
• Poor posture
• Difficulty recovering from orthopedic injuries
• Osteoporosis