Pediatric Physical Therapy
Our pediatric physical therapists work with infants, children, and teens to develop, regain, and improve their ability to move. They specialize in helping children build and strengthen their muscles and increase their balance and coordination so that they can participate safely in activities at home, in the community, or at school.
Some of the areas of concern our physical therapists may address include:
Muscle tone and strength
Range of Motion
Posture and postural control
Movement
Balance Training
Gait Training
Endurance
Pain
Injury prevention and return to sports training
Wheelchair positioning and mobility
Orthotics
Post surgical recovery
Red Flags
When to seek Physical Therapy for your child:
Not rolling over by 7 months
Not pushing up on straight arms, lifting his/her head and shoulders by 8 months
Not sitting independently by 10 months
Not moving across the floor on his/her belly by 10 months
Not crawling on all fours by 12 months
Not sitting upright in a child-sized chair by 12 months
Not pulling to stand by 12 months
Not standing alone by 14 months
Not walking by 18 months
Not jumping by 30 months
Not independent on stairs (up and down ) by 30 months
Frequently falling/tripping for no apparent reason
Cannot keep up with children their age which limits their ability to participate in play
Difficulties with catching, kicking, or throwing a ball
Can be described as clumsy or uncoordinated
Poor flexibility, strength, or endurance for physical activity
Trouble getting up after sitting
Avoids activities that involve gross motor skills
Toe walking (heels do not hit floor)
Limited range of head/neck motion