"What is Pediatric Physical Therapy?"
Believe it or not I get this question frequently. Pediatric physical therapy, or pediatric PT for short, is all about helping children reach their full physical potential. It's like being the co-pilot on your child's journey of growth, movement, and development. Whether it's taking their first steps or mastering the monkey bars, we're here to help facilitate their movement so that they can reach their goals.
We are the movement specialists! We combine evidenced informed practice and the individual needs of each person to create a plan that will propel littles and bigs towards their goals. No matter how big or small.
We use multiple tools in our tool box to help get little ones and big ones moving better. We harness the power of play, and educate families on how to engage with their child in a purposeful way. From the outside it looks like we’re just playing, which is the goal! But in reality these kiddos are being facilitated to move in a purposeful way to address certain areas for growth. With the use of toys, games, songs and creativity to get there!
We wear many hats, sometimes all at once. As movement specialists we look at the whole picture, basically like a detective gathering all the information and putting it together. Whether it be a child with torticolis and developmental delays, or a teen with back pain and scoliosis we see it all and can help!
We address areas for growth including:
Improving Gross Motor Skills: From crawling to jumping, we help your child refine those big movements.
Building Strength: We work on muscle development to boost their physical abilities.
Enhancing Balance: No more wobbles! We help them find their equilibrium.
Pain Management: If your child is in discomfort, we offer strategies to address their pain.
Injury Prevention: We teach safe techniques for activities and sports.
Assessing Milestones: We keep a close eye on developmental milestones and intervene if needed.
To name a few!
We believe that every individual is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our sessions are tailored to your child's specific needs and goals. We're here to celebrate every milestone, no matter how big or small.
We also know that we may just be one piece of the puzzle. We coordinate and collaborate with other members of your team to make sure we’re seeing the whole picture. You are not in this alone! We strive to empower parents with knowledge and techniques so that they can support their littles and bigs at home.
All this to say pediatric physical therapy isn't just about the here and now; it's about creating a foundation for a lifetime of physical health and wellness. It's about giving your child the tools they need to conquer challenges and embrace opportunities. We help you help them!
So, there you have it, a glimpse into the magic of pediatric physical therapy. If you have any questions or are curious about how it can benefit your child, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help your child shine like the bright star they are!