Let’s Talk Pediatric PT!

Pediatric physical therapy is different than what you might imagine in other settings. Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) look at gross motor skills and abilities (like walking, running, jumping, etc.) for children from birth to adulthood. Pediatric PTs can assess and provide interventions to focus on strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination, and motor planning- with emphasis on function and participation.

For children, participation often includes play, learning, and keeping up with family and friends. For infants and toddlers, this still involves play and learning, but may focus on developmental skills to help your child meet gross motor milestones (rolling over, sitting up, standing, walking, etc.) and engage with their family and environment.

Pediatric PTs work with individuals with a number of conditions, including:

• Developmental delays
• Torticollis/Plagiocephaly
• Neurological conditions (Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular dystrophies, etc.)
• Orthopedic conditions
• Genetic conditions (Down syndrome, Charcot-Marie Tooth, etc.)
• Complex medical needs

Your Pediatric PT will work closely with you and your child to establish goals and a plan of care to address the needs of your child.