Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps to increase a child's mobility, range of motion, strength, endurance, postural support, and balance so that they are better able to play and move at home and in the community. A physical therapist may use massage, heat, stretching, or strength training with children who have delays involving large muscles and orthopedic development. Physical therapy is also used to address sports related injuries.

How long will a typical therapy session last and what will happen during a session?

The physical therapy treatment session will last 1 hour depending on the child’s endurance or level of fatigue. During a typical treatment session, the therapist will plan a fun and play-based activities geared towards each child. These activities may include crawling, walking, climbing stairs, jumping, and playing games to address balance and coordination, and to strengthen the large muscles of the body.

Who can benefit from physical therapy?

Children who can benefit from occupational therapy may have been diagnosed with:

How long can I expect my child to need therapy?

Every child is different and the duration of therapy varies. A child may require a short period of therapy for balance or coordination concerns. A child may be a “late walker” or need to have an orthopedic injury addressed. Other children may require a longer duration of therapy to meet crucial developmental milestones.