Summary of key points
Pediatric physical therapy (PT) is a specialized form of PT designed to address the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents. It is for children with developmental delays or conditions who need additional support. As a parent, you can contact physical therapy Glendale, AZ, to discuss pediatric services and schedule an initial assessment or evaluation.
The Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric PT focuses on the overall development and well-being of children. Through individualized programs, your child can experience many benefits, such as the improvement of gross and fine motor skills. Regarding gross motor skills, PT programs aim to improve your child’s strength, coordination, and balance, helping them to crawl, walk, run, etc.
Fine motor skills focus more on dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Programs may help your little one with eating, dressing, and even drawing or writing. Through cognitive and sensory development, your child can connect movement to learning and processing their environment.
Beyond promoting independence and confidence, pediatric PT is also useful for injury recovery and pain management. Targeted exercises and therapies can help reduce discomfort, promote healing, and reteach proper functioning.
List of Conditions in Children for PT
Physical therapy near me can help children facing a litany of challenges, from orthopedic injuries to muscular dystrophy. A skilled, experienced, and licensed therapist can help children with developmental delays, genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, and other conditions or injuries.
The right therapist can also treat children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD kids can benefit from motor skill support and sensory integration. A skilled therapist can help parents of ASD children incorporate the practices at the therapy center at home so their child experiences consistency and develops helpful routines for self-expression and personal development.
What Does Pediatric Physical Therapy Involve?
Pediatric PT is unique to each client, but several aspects are consistent for every client. Every child will undergo an initial evaluation, which assesses their skills, strengths, and challenges.
After the initial evaluation, the therapist creates a personalized treatment plan that typically involves therapeutic exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises, and possibly assistive devices. The devices may include walkers, braces, or other tools to make movements easier.
Finally, all parents will likely receive education materials. They will also receive training on exercises and at-home support techniques from the therapist.Â
Finding the Best PT for Your Child’s Needs
The search for a qualified physical therapist can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to search for physical therapy jobs near me to fill a gap in the field. There are plenty of qualified therapists to choose from. When searching, consider several factors, including:
- Pediatric specialization
- Experience with your child’s condition
- Location and accessibility
- Your child’s personality
Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized field. As a parent, you only want the best for your child. If your little one needs help recovering from a physical ailment or developing the confidence and ability to walk, don’t hesitate to contact a local physical therapy practice. Call and discuss your child’s needs and schedule an initial evaluation or interview.