Rehabilitation Services (Pediatric) Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question The pediatric rehabilitation services consist of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Recreation Therapy and Speech Language Pathology (Speech Therapy). These programs are for the evaluation and treatment of children with: Asthma Cystic fibrosis Immunodeficiencies Rheumatologic conditions Swallowing disorders Voice disorders Vocal cord dysfunction Chronic cough Other pulmonary diseases Our goal is to enable any child to lead a full and satisfying life within his/her family, school and community. This goal is achieved through the recognition, assessment, treatment and management of symptoms and limitations arising from chronic illness. Learn more about our pediatric rehabilitation evaluations and treatments. Physical Therapy Physical therapy seeks to enhance physical performance. Physical therapists (PTs) will examine, treat, and teach you to prevent, correct and limit physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction and pain from injury, illness and/or disease. PTs use physical measures, activities and devices to help you. These can include: Orthopedics/ Manual Therapy Intramuscular Manual Therapy (trigger point dry needling) Heat and Massage Therapy Cardiopulmonary and Resistance Training Recreational Therapy to focus on a return to your previous activity level Five Program Objectives Increase cardiopulmonary endurance. Improve muscle strength and endurance. Improve ability to participate in daily activities in home, school and community. Increase and encourage continued participation in physical education, leisure and fitness activities. Improve awareness of abdominal breathing, voice control and/or swallowing. When to Get a Referral You may want to consider getting a referral to the National Jewish Health Pediatric Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program if your child has any of the following symptoms or issues: History of exercise induced asthma (bronchospasm) Inability to exercise due to deconditioning Muscle weakness/fatigue Poor pacing and self-monitoring skills History of oral steroid use or frequent burst of steroids Osteoporosis or risk factors for osteoporosis Gait abnormalities Orthopedic dysfunction's Postural Abnormalities Pain that limits motion and/or function Problems with coordination Developmental delays Cognitive school issues Vocational issues Leisure issues Decreasing ability to complete activities of daily living Choking / coughing while eating Food refusal Difficulty being understood by teachers or peers Doctors Paul R. Heitzenrater, CTRS + × Paul R. Heitzenrater, CTRS Paul R. Heitzenrater, CTRS, is a recreation therapist at National Jewish Health. Mr. Heitzenrater is in Rehabilitation Services. Recreation Therapist View Full Profile Kimberly Sack, MS, PT + × Kimberly Sack, MS, PT Kimberly Sack, MS, is a physical therapist at National Jewish Health. Ms. Sack is in Rehabilitation Services. Physical Therapist View Full Profile Emily A. Nauman, MA, CCC-SLP + × Emily A. Nauman, MA, CCC-SLP Emily A. Nauman, MA, is a speech language pathologist at National Jewish Health. Ms. Nauman is in Rehabilitation Services. Speech Language Pathologist Rehabilitation Services View Full Profile James Wardell, CSCI + × James Wardell, CSCI James Wardell, CSCI, is a recreation therapist at National Jewish Health. Mr. Wardell is in Rehabilitation Services. Recreation Therapist View Full Profile Monica Shaffer, MA, CCC-SLP + × Monica Shaffer, MA, CCC-SLP Monica Shaffer, MA, is a speech language pathologist at National Jewish Health. Ms. Shaffer is in Rehabilitation Services. Speech-Language Pathologist Rehabilitation View Full Profile Shelby R. Jenkins, OTR + × Shelby R. Jenkins, OTR Shelby R. Jenkins, OTR, is an occupational therapist at National Jewish Health. Ms. Jenkins is in Rehabilitation Services. Occupational Thearpist Rehabilitation Services View Full Profile View all (6) doctors specializing in Rehabilitation Services (Pediatric) Find a Doctor Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials. Reasons to Choose National Jewish Health The leading respiratory hospital in the nation and the only one devoted fully to the treatment of respiratory and related illnesses Ranked as one of the top two hospitals in pulmonology every year since U.S. News & World Report included this category in its annual “Best Hospitals” survey Ranked in the top 1 percent of hospitals in the nation by HCAHPS Physicians consistently recognized among the best in the nation by multiple services, including Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly Among the top 6 percent of organizations funded for research by the NIH, providing patients access to more than 300 active clinical trials 121-year history of focus on care, research and education serving thousands of patients with lung, heart, immune and related disorders Make an Appointment Catching Her Breath Candace Wollert was breaking records on the track but struggling to breathe when she exercised. A unique test developed at National Jewish Health uncovered the root of her problem, and helped Candace get her breath back. Read More View All Patient Stories × Safely Get the Care You Need We are ready to help you stay healthy with many same-day appointments available and are taking every precaution to ensure your safety. To make an appointment, call 303.398.1355 or schedule online today. COVID-19 Testing and Care Swab (PCR) and Antibody testing appointments can be booked online and are available with results in 24-48 hours. If you are experiencing symptoms, we have same-day appointments in our adult and pediatric COVID-19 treatment clinics in dedicated areas. We also offer care for those wo have had COVID-19 in our Center for Post-COVID-19 Care and Recovery. Learn more about our specialized COVID-19 care. Vaccine Information The vaccine has arrived and we are working through Colorado’s state-guided phases of vaccination. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page for more information on timing and availability. Close
Reasons to Choose National Jewish Health The leading respiratory hospital in the nation and the only one devoted fully to the treatment of respiratory and related illnesses Ranked as one of the top two hospitals in pulmonology every year since U.S. News & World Report included this category in its annual “Best Hospitals” survey Ranked in the top 1 percent of hospitals in the nation by HCAHPS Physicians consistently recognized among the best in the nation by multiple services, including Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly Among the top 6 percent of organizations funded for research by the NIH, providing patients access to more than 300 active clinical trials 121-year history of focus on care, research and education serving thousands of patients with lung, heart, immune and related disorders Make an Appointment
Catching Her Breath Candace Wollert was breaking records on the track but struggling to breathe when she exercised. A unique test developed at National Jewish Health uncovered the root of her problem, and helped Candace get her breath back. Read More View All Patient Stories