Physical disorders
Pediatric physical therapy promotes better mobility, function, and quality of life by developing, recovering, or improving the child’s movement, strength, range of motion, gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and endurance.
Our pediatric physical therapy programs can provide significant benefits for:
A neurological and developmental disorder that is characterized by challenges with communication and social skills. The expected outcome of treatment is to improve posture, develop age-appropriate gross motor skills, and address misalignments.
Ability to maintain a controlled body position while performing tasks.
Movement difficulties caused by damage to the motor control centers of the brain. Cerebral palsy may affect fine and gross motor skills, oral motor functioning, communication, cognition, vision, and sensation.
Ability to synchronize movements or hold a stationary position with control while performing physical tasks.
Not reaching developmental milestones by the expected age. Delay may occur in the way a child moves, communicates, thinks and learns, or behaves with others.
A genetic condition involving an extra chromosome that delays an affected child’s physical and intellectual development.
Whole body movements that involve large muscles of the body to perform everyday functions.
A neurological disorder characterized by increased muscle tone.
A neurological disorder characterized by decreased muscle tone (the amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle).
The distance and direction a joint move between a bent and stretched position. Therapeutic exercises are designed to increase mobility, flexibility, strength, and balance.
The muscles’ (or group of muscles) ability to exert force for an extended period/repeatedly.
The muscles’ ability to exert force against maximum resistance using slower, controlled movements.
Durable Medical Devices (DME) used to improve body alignment and function, immobilize the injured area, prevent or improve a deformity, protect a joint or limb, limit or reduce pain, and/or provide proprioceptive feedback.
Ability to assume, maintain, and restore balance by controlling one’s body in space during any posture or activity. Poor postural control may be due to decreased core strength, balance, coordination, among other deficits.
A congenital disorder in which an area of the spinal column doesn’t form properly during the first month of pregnancy, leaving a section of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed.
Pattern of walking in which a child walks on the toes or ball of the foot without the heel or other parts of the foot coming in contact with the floor. Therapy can help determine the possible causes (range of motion, muscle shortening, motor development, sensory issues, or the presence of a specific diagnosis), and create an exercise program that includes stretching, strengthening, and functional movement exercises.
Brain trauma/injuries
Torticollis
Our physical therapists use play, therapeutic activities, and special techniques to close the gaps in development so that our children can be successful with all their occupations. They also provide recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, when necessary. Treatment plans and goals are developed and implemented based on the findings of the evaluation.
We can help your child communicate.
A child with an articulation disorder does not make speech sounds correct due to incorrect placement or movement of their articulators (lips, tongue, etc.). Using verbal, visual, and tactile models and cues, the therapist will teach the child accurate tongue placement for clear sound production. Children will practice using “good sounds” in structured drills and play-based therapy activities.
