by Whitney Vander Veen, DPT, PT

The American Physical Therapy Association states, “Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments.  Physical therapists use their expertise in movement and apply clinical reasoning through the process of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention” (Section on Pediatrics, APTA, 2009).  Pediatric physical therapy is adapted to the individual need of each child to progress motor development and function as well as strength and endurance in children ages 0-21. 

Common Reasons for and Diagnoses seen by Pediatric Physical Therapists

Diagnoses

Other Reasons

Developmental delay Musculoskeletal injuries Torticollis Flat Head Syndrome Cerebral palsy Spina bifida Hydrocephalus Stroke Traumatic brain injury Coordination and balance disorders Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Spinal cord injuries Scoliosis Amputations Hypotonia/Hypertonia Down Syndrome Angelman’s Syndrome Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Muscular Dystrophy

Child is behind in age-appropriate gross motor skills such as rolling, crawling, walking, jumping, catching, etc. Child walks up on toes >50% of day Child trips or falls often Child gets tired quickly while playing Child complains of pain in muscles, joints, or feet Child has abnormal muscle tone (muscles appear tight/rigid or loose/floppy)-Infant born prematurely Child sits in W-sit position often Child crawls or walks asymmetrically

What to Expect During a Pediatric Physical Therapy Session

A physical therapy session at Kinetic Edge entails hands on techniques and therapeutic exercises tailored to each child’s specific needs.  Goals are reached through play or recreational based activities.  It is important that each child is engaged, motivated, and having fun throughout each therapy session so they can succeed and achieve functional goals to carry over into their everyday activities. 

Your Child’s physical therapy session may include some of the following activities:

• Stretching
• Strengthening weak muscles
• Balance Activities
• Reflex Integration
• Coordination Exercises
• Activities to improve muscle / balance endurance
• Learning/improving gross motor coordination skills
• Family/Child Education of home program

As with all success stories that come from physical therapy no matter the age – following a home program plays a large role in the success a child achieves through pediatric physical therapy services.  Goals are initially developed and driven from family input and progress is increased with home program activities that each family oversees.  We strive to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for each child and want families to be involved and become advocates for their child’s independence. 

Questions about your child possibly benefiting from pediatric physical therapy? Call 866-588-0230 to speak with a pediatric PT or schedule a free screen today!

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