Pediatric Physical Therapy

Our pediatric physical therapists work with children to improve their strength, flexibility, range of motion, and other physical capabilities and movements. The goal is to help them develop the core physical skills they need to walk, run, and play to the fullest extent possible. Our experts will build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific condition and needs.

Physical therapists can help kids with any injury or condition that affects their movement or posture, as well as young kids who haven’t reached movement-based developmental milestones within a typical timeframe. These conditions include but are not limited to:

Congenital and genetic conditions

Conditions present at birth that interfere with movement or motor control, such as muscular dystrophy.

Developmental delays

Failure to develop key skills (such as crawling or walking) at a similar age to most peers.

Musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions

Disorders of the bones, muscles, joints, or connective tissues, such as flat head syndrome and torticollis (a condition where the neck is twisted or tilted to one side).

Neurological conditions

Problems with the way the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system function, such as cerebral palsy.

Post-surgical recovery

Including orthopedic, cardiac, and many other types of surgery.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Physical, cognitive, or emotional symptoms that result from a concussion or other sudden force that injures the brain.

Our physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help kids improve their strength, balance, and movement skills. Play-based techniques may be used to help make exercise more fun and engaging for your child.

Kinesiology taping

Strategic use of elastic therapy tape on your child’s skin can help support their muscles and joints and prevent potential painful or harmful motions.

Robot-assisted gait training

The Lokomat® gait training system combines a treadmill, support harness, and mechanical control and assistance for leg motion. This helps ensure your child’s movements are controlled and safe and allows the therapist to adjust the assistance and intensity of the training to match your child’s needs as they gain strength and their walking improves.

Serial (temporary) casting

Physical therapists place your child’s arm or leg in a cast for a few days, then remove it and apply another cast in a slightly different position. Over the course of treatment, which can last from a few weeks to a few months, this can gradually stretch short or tight muscles and improve gait and posture issues, including those caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Strength and conditioning

Strengthening your child’s legs, hips, and core can help them improve posture, balance, and stability — which gives them a stronger foundation for running, jumping, and developing other gross motor skills.

Stretching and resistance exercises

These help build muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment

Therapists provide symptom assessments, return-to-activity plans, and any necessary treatment procedures for any balance or coordination challenges that result from a concussion or other traumatic brain injury.