What is pediatric physical therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy is rehabilitation care for children who have problems with movement.
- Balance and coordination
- Cardiopulmonary endurance
- Gross motor skills
- Movement and mobility
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Posture and positioning
- Strengthening
- Wound care
Physical therapists work to help children gain or regain strength in their muscles and joints by focusing on:
- Body awareness
- Endurance
- Flexibility
- Gait mechanics
- Orthotics training
- Pain relief
- Strength
What is pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children who sensory, physical, or cognitive disabilities gain independence in their life. Pediatric occupational therapists help children who have trouble doing everyday activities such as:
- Handwriting
- Dressing/grooming themselves
- Feeding themselves
- Organizing thoughts
- Interpreting situations
Talk with your primary care provider about whether a pediatric occupational therapist can help your child.
Pediatric physical and occupational therapy services
Occupational therapy often is prescribed along with physical therapy. Many times patients who need physical therapy also need occupational therapy. Depending on your child's condition, services may include:
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Developmental activities
- Strength Exercises
- Safety programs
- Water therapy
- Assistive technology
- Neuro-developmental treatments
- Sensory integrations
- Therapeutic listening