As pediatric physical therapists, we work with children and adolescents who have a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, including:

• Sports Injuries: Sprains, strains, muscle tears, and overuse injuries common in young athletes.
• Fractures: Helping to regain movement and strength after a bone has healed (often after casting or surgery).
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Guiding recovery after orthopedic surgeries.
• Growth-Related Pain: Addressing conditions like Osgood-Schlatter disease or Sever’s disease.
• Torticollis: A condition affecting neck muscles in infants. 
• Developmental Delays: Addressing motor skill challenges that may not be solely injury-related.

As parents, you are often the first to notice when something isn’t right. We can help if your child is experiencing:

• Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medication.
• Swelling or Bruising: Signs of tissue damage that may limit movement.
• Difficulty Moving: Reduced range of motion or stiffness in a joint or limb.
• Limping or Changes in Walking: Indicating discomfort or weakness.
• Weakness: Difficulty bearing weight or using an arm or leg.
• Balance Issues: Unsteadiness or frequent falls.
• Reluctance to Participate in Activities: Due to pain or fear of movement.

Pediatric physical therapy focuses on a child-centered approach to help them regain function and return to their normal activities. Our interventions may include:

• Thorough Assessment: We’ll start by evaluating your child’s movement, strength, flexibility, balance, and pain levels.
• Pain Management Techniques: Using modalities like ice, heat, or gentle manual therapy to reduce discomfort.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and coordination. We make these fun and engaging for kids!
• Gait Training: Helping your child walk correctly and safely.
• Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises to improve stability and body awareness.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to address joint stiffness and muscle tightness.
• Education: Teaching you and your child about the injury, proper body mechanics, and home exercise programs.

Your involvement is crucial for your child’s progress! Here’s how you can help: 

• Encouragement and Motivation: Providing positive reinforcement and support for their efforts.
• Ensuring Attendance: Making sure your child attends their therapy sessions consistently.
• Home Exercise Program Support: Helping your child complete their prescribed exercises correctly and regularly.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: Modifying activities as needed and celebrating milestones.
• Open Communication: Sharing your observations and concerns with the physical therapist.
• Patience: Understanding that recovery takes time and progress may not always be linear.

* Q: How long will my child need physical therapy?
* A: The duration of therapy varies depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as your child’s individual progress. We will work with you to establish realistic goals and a treatment timeline.

* Q: Will physical therapy be painful for my child?
* A: We strive to make therapy as comfortable as possible. Some exercises may cause mild discomfort, but we will closely monitor your child’s pain levels and adjust the treatment accordingly. Our goal is to reduce pain, not increase it.

* Q: What should my child wear to a physical therapy appointment?
* A: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement of the injured body part is best.

* Q: Do I need to be present during my child’s therapy sessions?
* A: We encourage parental involvement, especially for younger children. Your presence can provide comfort and allow you to learn how to support your child’s home exercise program.

* Q: How do I know if physical therapy is working for my child?
* A: You should see gradual improvements in your child’s pain levels, range of motion, strength, and ability to participate in activities. We will regularly assess their progress and communicate with you about their outcomes.