Physical
Therapy
Physical Therapists
Specially trained professional therapists who have
A master’s or doctoral degree
A state license
What do they do?
Physical therapists work with children/adolescents or individuals to help them develop and strengthen their gross motor skills. Physical therapists address a variety of needs, which may include:
Adaptive Equipment
Any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve a child’s independence (e.g., crutches, walker, stander, wheelchair, gait trainer).
Balance
Ability to control body position across various environments and circumstances.
Coordination
Ability to execute smooth, accurate, and controlled movements.
Functional Mobility
Ability to move around in the environment (e.g., rolling, crawling, walking, scooting along a bed, rising from a chair).
Motor planning
Ability to organize the body’s actions (i.e., knowing what steps to take, and in what order, to complete a particular task).
Orthotics and/or Splinting
Any device that is applied to the body to help with movement and overall functioning (e.g., AFO, KFO, dynamic splint).
Posture and Positioning
Ability to align the skeletal system in functional positions (e.g., laying down, sitting, standing).
Range of Motion
Ability to actively or passively move specific joint or body part.
Strength/Endurance
The power required to sustain and repeat movement.
When to seek help?
A referral may be necessary if your child is:
