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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:
- Improve gross motor skills, such as walking, running, and jumping.
- Develop fine motor skills, such as handwriting, grasping, and dressing.
- Enhance balance and coordination.
- Increase strength and flexibility.
- Reduce pain and discomfort.
- Improve sensory processing skills.
- Promote social-emotional development.
- Provide support for families of children with special needs.
Getting Treatment
Pediatric physical therapy can be a valuable resource for children of all ages and abilities. If you are concerned about your child’s development, please contact us at our Battle Creek or Three Rivers centers for an evaluation.
