What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is a treatment approach to optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and family education. Physical therapists help children and young adults successfully and independently perform gross motor skills and functional mobility skills in order to participate efficiently in their environment. Gross motor skills include, but are not limited to: walking, running, stair ascent and descent, ball skills, postural stability, balance, coordination (i.e. jumping jacks, speed modulation and stop/go while walking and running), and engagement in gross motor activities (i.e. reciprocal ball play and participating in movement songs with friends and family).

How does Physical Therapy work?

A referral is made through your child’s physician. Upon receipt of the referral a thorough evaluation is completed and an individualized plan is written for your child’s specific needs. Your child’s therapy program will then be implemented by a highly trained team of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

How would I know if I need Physical Therapy for my child?

A Physical Therapy evaluation would be recommended if you are observing any issues with the following: balance, coordination, endurance, flexibility, walking, strength, performing gross motor movements and skills similar to peers and/or siblings, range of motion, motor planning, and postural stability. If any of the following areas are of concern to you, then a Physical Therapy evaluation would help in identifying if you child is in need of physical therapy.