Pediatric Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is designed to help children improve motor skills after an injury or develop movement that is compromised due to an illness, disease or disability. Physical therapy treatment sessions are designed to specifically address a child's needs to achieve the best possible results. A physician experienced in pediatric physical therapy will evaluate the child's physical limitations and design a therapy program that will effectively address those limitations.
Conditions Treated With Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often performed on infants and children as a result of some of the following conditions:
- Delayed development
- Genetic syndromes
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Injury
- Disease
- Complications of another medical condition
Symptoms Treated With Physical Therapy
Children who typically benefit from physical therapy may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal muscle tone
- Impaired balance
- Weakness
- Poor coordination
- Decrease in movement skills
A child who once had functional ability may now rely on others for assistance with everyday tasks. These challenges can often be overcome through effective physical therapy, which aims to improve functionality and let children enjoy the independence of performing everyday tasks.
Physical therapy programs may be administered just once or twice, or on a regular basis for several months or years. Each child will have an individual program designed specifically for their condition or diagnosis.