What is Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy is the evaluation and treatment of physical impairments in children, ranging in age from newborn to mid-twenties. The goal of pediatric physical therapy is to assist children with physical challenges to maximize their independence and improve their mobility, self-care, and other functional skills necessary for daily living. Pediatric physical therapy at Children’s Therapy Corner incorporates hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercise with play and recreational activities to reach this goal. A child’s family plays an important part in pediatric physical therapy, including the development of client and family-centered goals.

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Who are Pediatric Physical Therapists?

Pediatric physical therapists are trained and licensed health care professionals who evaluate and treat children with physical impairments, disabilities and functional limitations resulting from injury or disease. They address the needs of children by helping them restore, maintain, and attain optimal physical function.

They also help to prevent injury and loss of movement in children. A pediatric physical therapist works with a child’s family, in order to empower the family with the ability to maximize the child’s function at home, at school and in the community.

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Why Would a Child need Physical Therapy?

There are a variety of reasons a child may need physical therapy. Some common diagnoses seen by pediatric physical therapists include: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, stroke, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, coordination and balance disorders, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, tight heel cords, muscular dystrophy, amputations, torticollis, and various other musculoskeletal injuries.

A physician referral is required for a physical therapy evaluation. Typically the physician refers a child when the child demonstrates challenges with “age appropriate” gross motor skills, or if the child has sustained an injury that limits their previous level of mobility and function.

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What are the Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy?

There are many benefits of pediatric physical therapy. Some of the benefits include:

Improved gross motor development


Improved balance


Improved coordination


Increased muscular strength and range of motion


Improved walking pattern


Increased endurance


Normalization of muscle tone


Promotion of healthy and active lifestyle


Prevention of injuries


Maximize the child’s independence

Pediatric physical therapy group programs are an option that provide opportunities for socialization.

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What does a Typical Physical Therapy Program Include?

At Children’s Therapy Corner the physical therapists work with the family and other therapists to design an individualized exercise program geared towards maximizing each child’s mobility and independence. A typical program for a child would include:

Stretching


Strengthening weak muscles


Balance and coordination exercises


Exercises to improve endurance


Exercises to facilitate gross motor development


Exercises to improve gait

Family and client education

Each program is designed to meet the individual needs of the child and their family. Co-treatment is an option that is available at Children’s Therapy Corner. The pediatric physical therapist may co-treat with music therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. Children’s Therapy Corner’s family centered approach allows the families to be involved and become advocates for their child’s independence. We strive to provide a comprehensive treatment program for each child.

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When should I be concerned about my child’s development?

All children develop and grow at different rates. However, there are some general guidelines that may help you assess your child’s development. Listed below you will find an abbreviated list of developmental milestones to watch for as your child grows. If you are concerned about your child’s development, ask your pediatrician or feel free to contact the physical therapists at Children’s Therapy Corner (989) 835-6333.

Birth to 2 Months

3 Months to 5 Months

6 months to 8 Months

9 Months to 11 Months

12 Months to 15 Months

16 Months to 18 Months

19 Months to 24 Months

24 Months to 29 Months

• Walks on balance beam with one hand held
• Stands on balance beam alone
• Walks up stairs one step at a time without a railing
• Runs well
• Briefly stands on one foot
• Jumps from one step with feet together
• Throws ball overhead

2 1/2 Years to 3 Years

• Walks up step over step with railing
• Walks down stairs step by step without railing
• Balances on one foot 2-3 seconds
• Jumps forward at least 1 foot
• Walks on balance beam alone
• Walks on tip toes when asked

3 Years to 4 Years

• Walks on balance beam sideways
• Catches a bounced ball
• Rides a tricycle
• Hops on one foot 2-5 times
• Balances on one foot 2-5 seconds
• Consecutive jumping
• Walks up stairs step over step alone
• Walks down stairs step over step with a railing

4 Years to 5 Years

• Balances on one foot 4-8 seconds
• Walks on balance beam in all directions
• Walks down stairs step over step alone
• Kicks a rolling ball
• Catches large and small ball with outstretched arms
• Throws a small ball overhand

Five Years to Six Years

As mentioned, these are just guidelines for a child’s development. If you are concerned about your child’s development contact your child’s pediatrician, or the physical therapists at Children’s Therapy Corner.

How Do I get a Referral for Physical Therapy??

Currently in Michigan, a physician referral is required for physical therapy treatment. If you have concerns about your child’s development, contact your child’s physician or pediatrician with your concerns and ask about a physical therapy referral. Once the referral for physical therapy is written, and appointment can be set up for the physical therapy evaluation.

Outpatient pediatric physical therapy is often used in conjunction with school based physical therapy. School based therapy becomes involved when mobility, transportation, or related accessibility interferes with a child’s ability to receive education, thereby making physical therapy educationally necessary. Often in school based PT, the child is pulled from the classroom in order to receive therapy. The outpatient setting, on the other hand, offers more time for therapeutic activities and does not disrupt the child’s school day. Outpatient physical therapy also addresses functional activities and goals necessary for at home or in the community that may not be addressed in school physical therapy.