Physical
Therapy
Physical Therapists
Specially trained professional therapists who have
What do they do?
Physical therapists work with children 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 no matter where you are or what is going on around you
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 not meeting the expected developmental milestones (e.g., rolling, sitting, standing, walking)
- Has a strong preference for turning their head to one side or using one side of their body
- Has difficulty crossing midline (i.e., the center of the body)
- Walks up on the balls of their feet or walks in an atypical/awkward manner.
- Appears weak or tires easily
- Has difficulty keeping up with their peers during play
- Appears clumsy or uncoordinated
- Is unable to perform the same gross motor tasks (e.g., hopping, jumping, skipping) as their peers
- Has difficulty completing new movement activities
- Frequently trips and/or falls
- Complains of pain when performing gross motor tasks
- Was injured and is not able to perform at their prior level of function
Additional Resources
