PT’s work with individuals of all ages to assist them with their mobility: enabling them to move through their environment with the most independence as possible.  In infants, physical therapists work on the infant’s gross motor skill development.  This means that PT’s work with infants to help them in terms of learning how to move within their environment.  This includes learning how to roll over, sit up, crawl, stand, walk, etc.

In older children, physical therapists continue to work on mobility—helping them run, jump and play.  PT’s can also address a variety of other movement concerns including coordination deficits, balance deficits, and decreased core strength.

Pediatric PT’s will also treat children after injury and surgery, addressing the needs of the child to help them through their rehabilitation process.

How do I know if my child needs physical therapy?

• After an injury (from a fall, during a sporting event, etc.)
• After a surgery
• If your child frequently falls, trips or slips and seems to be off balance
• If your child has difficulty keeping up with his/her peers on the playground or at school
• If your child has difficulty with coordinating his/her movements including tasks such as jumping jacks
• If your child chronically complains of pain in the same body part
• If your child is developmentally delayed