Enhancing your child's

Movement and Mobility

Pediatric physical therapy is used to improve a child’s gross motor skills, strength and balance. It is often recommended for children who have coordination difficulties or who don’t meet expected developmental milestones for gross motor function. It can also correct range-of-motion and strength problems related to torticollis, plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), toe-walking, pes planus (flat feet), hip dysplasia, and brachial plexus injury.

Other diagnosis that benefit from pediatric physical therapy may include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and Angelman syndrome. Children struggling with bladder and bowel problems like constipation, incontinence, and bedwetting may also benefit from a referral to physical therapy.

pediatric physical therapy

How can I get a referral to pediatric physical therapy?

Make an appointment with a primary care provider in our family medicine department or pediatrics department to discuss any concerns about your child’s physical abilities. Your child’s provider can treat underlying medical conditions and provide a referral for physical therapy as appropriate to your child’s needs.

What to expect during pediatric physical therapy:

At your first visit, the therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to better understand how your child’s condition affects his or her ability to perform daily tasks and activities. Next, the therapist will create an individualized treatment plan. She will discuss the treatment plan with you, including activities that will be included in future therapy sessions to reach your treatment goals.