Pediatric Physical Therapy

How Do I Know if My Child Needs Pediatric Physical Therapy?

We are all unique, with our own individual strengths and traits that make us who we are. Sometimes, an issue that arises in early childhood can impact development, socialization, or physical function. Early access to care, such as physical therapy, can be essential. Ask your child’s medical provider for a referral to physical therapy! We have many physical therapists with specialized knowledge to help your child and family thrive. Click the button below to request an evaluation at your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location that provides pediatric physical therapy services.

Schedule an Evaluation

Request An Appointment Today!

Conditions Treated by a Pediatric Physical Therapist

Children can experience a wide range of physical, behavioral, or developmental problems at an early age. While these may be due to neurological, cognitive, or orthopedic conditions, many can be challenging to diagnose. Pediatric physical therapy can help to treat a surprisingly wide range of conditions and diagnoses, such as:

  • Autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders
  • Neurological conditions and injuries, including nerve damage and brain injuries
  • Neuromuscular and chromosomal disorders such as hydrocephalus, spina bifida, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy
  • Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders such as sprains, strains, fractures, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hypotonia (low muscle tone) and hypertonia (excessive muscle tone), torticollis, balance/coordination, and developmental delay
Learn More About Pediatric Sport Injuries

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Pediatric Physical Therapy

Whether your child has received a formal diagnosis or not, physical therapy may be an option for care to help your child. What are some signs to look for? Subtle indicators that further care may be needed include:

  • “W Sitting” – Does your child sit with their lower legs tucked outward, forming a W shape on the ground? This “W sitting” appears harmless enough and does not cause your child discomfort. However, it is a sign that your child’s core muscles may not be as strong as they should be. Poor core muscle strength (in either children or adults) can affect balance and coordination while raising the risk of injuries.
  • Slouching or stooping – If your child tends to slouch or stoop over, the muscles that support the trunk and/or neck may be weak. Chronic postural problems can lead to spinal misalignment and muscle strain.
  • Walking or stair-climbing abnormalities – If your child is not walking or climbing stairs at a developmentally appropriate level, they may benefit from physical therapy. For instance, children who tend to walk on their toes all the time may have balance or muscle problems. Children not going up or down stairs one foot at a time by age 4 may have coordination or developmental issues that need to be treated.

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help

Pediatric physical therapy offers a safe, supervised learning opportunity for your child, their family, and care providers. Our physical therapists perform a comprehensive initial evaluation to identify abnormalities in gait, stance, balance, physical coordination, muscle tone, range of motion, and/or strength. We can then prescribe play activities aimed at improving any particular impairments. We may recommend:

  • Exercises, games, and movement activities to rebuild muscle strength
  • Flexibility exercises to help improve range of motion
  • Gentle stretches and other methods to lengthen and loosen tight tissues
  • Core training and sitting positions to help your child assume a straight, healthy posture

Each child’s needs are unique. Therefore, their care plan will be customized, with attention given to including family and caregivers so that activities can be carried over and continued at home. Your child’s success is of the utmost concern to our team!

Schedule Pediatric Physical Therapy for Your Child Today

Whatever challenges your child and family may face, our caring and compassionate physical therapists are ready to help. Visit the list below to find your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location providing pediatric physical therapy services, and schedule your child’s evaluation today!