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What is Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and children to ensure they reach their full potential in terms of function, development, and independence. Pediatric physical therapists work with children who have a variety of conditions, including developmental delays, neurological disorders, orthopedic injuries, and genetic syndromes. They use a variety of techniques, such as play-based therapy, sensory integration therapy, and neuromuscular re-education, to help children develop their gross motor skills, fine motor skills, balance, coordination, and strength. Pediatric physical therapists also provide guidance to parents and caregivers on how to support their child’s development at home.
Armor Physical Therapy for Kids
While traditional physical therapy focuses primarily on musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, our pediatric physical therapists at Armor Physical Therapy Kids possess extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating and treating a diverse range of congenital and developmental conditions.
Our primary focus is on collaborating with children and their families to foster the development of gross motor skills, strength, range of motion, and movement patterns that enable children to interact effectively and thrive within their environment. Recognizing that each child is unique, we provide individualized care tailored to each child’s specific needs, developmental level, and environment.
Techniques Used:
Manual Therapy: Our therapists use their hands or special tools to improve the movement of your child’s soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) and joints. This can help to reduce pain, stiffness, and improve range of motion.
Neuromuscular Re-education: We teach your child’s muscles how to work together better. This can help to improve their balance, manage muscle tone, and make their movements smoother.
Functional Exercises: We use fun games and activities to help your child reach their developmental goals. These activities are based on your child’s individual needs and abilities.
Developmental Exercises: We help your child practice the skills they need to develop, such as rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, and walking.
Adaptive Equipment: We can assess your child’s needs and recommend adaptive equipment, such as braces, walkers, and wheelchairs. We can also teach you and your child how to use the equipment properly.
Conditions We Can Treat With Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Acute and Chronic Orthopedic Injuries
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Delays
- Gross Motor Development
- Plagiocephaly
- Post-Concussion
- Sensory Integration Disorders
- Spina Bifida
- Toe Walking
- Torticollis
Here are some specific examples of how pediatric physical therapy can help children:
- Enhance gross motor skills, encompassing activities like walking, running, and jumping, to elevate physical coordination and proficiency.
- Nurture important fine motor skills like handwriting, grasping, and dressing. These skills are vital for everyday tasks and personal development. Let’s focus on honing these abilities together!
- Improve your child’s balance and coordination with these effective, personalized techniques.
- Enhance both strength and flexibility to achieve optimal fitness and physical performance.
- Alleviate pain and discomfort for enhanced well-being.
- Improve sensory processing skills for improved cognitive abilities and heightened sensory awareness.
- Promote social-emotional development by fostering positive relationships, cultivating empathy and self-awareness, and providing opportunities for emotional expression and regulation.
- We aim to provide comprehensive support and resources for families who have children with special needs. Our dedicated team is here to offer guidance, assistance, and a helping hand every step of the way. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that fosters growth, development, and happiness for both the children and their families.
Getting Treatment
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, our pediatric physical therapy can be a valuable resource. We are here to help children of all ages and abilities. Please reach out to us at our Battle Creek or Three Rivers centers and we will be happy to provide an evaluation.
