So, what is Pediatric Physical Therapy?

What is a Pediatric PT?

The technical definition?

“Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist the child in reaching their maximum potential in home, school, and community environments. Physical therapists are considered the movement experts. The pediatric PT collaborates with the family to promote development and implement an intervention program."

 But what does that actually look like? In our older folks, that’s teaching them how to safely use a new walker. Adults, it’s usually after surgery or having back pain. Teens, we’ve got sports injuries. In babies, that’s reaching milestones like sitting and walking.

An evaluation looks at milestones, use of arms and legs, strength of trunk muscles, head shape, balance and posture, reflexes, and oral skills. After the evaluation, I set goals with the parents and make a treatment plan which is completely individualized. The biggest piece of the puzzle is listening to the parents' concerns while doing the evaluation and making sure we’re working toward goals we’ve set together- this is where insurance can become an issue.

As primary health care providers, PTs also promote health and wellness. A wellness visit is typically done on a child who either doesn’t have a medical diagnosis or has a chronic disease and reaching out for guidance and education on things like shoe and toy recommendations, positioning, or general exercise program to reach milestones. These can be completed whenever, but the hope is that it can be completed annually- just like the eye doctor and dentist. We want to catch delays sooner rather than later so we can correct it faster.

When should your child get a PT evaluation or Wellness Exam?

At any time if you feel a concern! A lot of pediatricians will say it’s fine and just to wait and see. But if you’re concerned about it, let’s talk about it! A pediatrician is a great place to start because they know so much about everything. But like I said earlier, PTs are the movement experts. It’s our job to know every detail about HOW your child is moving.

The following diagnoses are typically seen by physical therapists:

Autism • Brachial Plexus Injury • Developmental Delay • Down Syndrome • Muscular Dystrophy • Developmental Coordination Disorder • Club Foot • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome • Cancer • Genetic Disorders • Stroke • Hip Disorders • Burns • Spine Disorders • Torticollis • IUGR • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome • NICU stay • Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy • Lip or Tongue Tie 

The following observations are typically seen by physical therapists

Walk on their toes frequently • Fall often • Difficulty balancing • Have a flat spot on their head • Preference to look to one side • Uses one arm/leg more than the other • Shows little arm or leg movement • Muscles feel weak or floppy • Muscles feel extra strong or tight • Difficulty with stairs • Poor coordination • Appear overall clumsy • Seem like a lazy baby or child • Frequently lean on furniture or people • Prefer a w-sit position • Behind others on milestones • Poor posture in sitting or standing • Trouble getting into or out of the floor • Complaints of pain or discomfort • Constipation • Trouble with breastfeeding