Pediatric Physical Therapists (PTs) are movement specialists who deliver skilled physical therapy services to children and their families. They help children work towards functioning independently and promote participation in various activities at home, school, and the community. Pediatric physical therapists work with children with a wide range of diagnoses from infancy through adolescence. The physical therapist works in close partnership with the child’s family and other members of the rehabilitation team in order to establish a personalized treatment plan.

• Delays in development / difficulty reaching developmental milestones

• Muscle weakness or pain after an injury

• Impaired coordination and motor planning

• Genetic or neurodevelopmental disorders

• Promote independence with mobility

• Increase participation in activities of daily living

• Facilitate motor development and function

• Improve strength and endurance

• Enhance learning opportunities

• Ease challenges with daily caregiving

• Interview to identify a child’s needs and family’s concerns

• Examination and evaluation of the child’s function including balance, coordination, posture, strength, endurance, neuromotor development

• Standardized tests to evaluate a child’s functional level

• Evaluation for need of assistive or adaptive equipment

• Fun! A great physical therapy session should look like play