Children's physical therapy: Where to find pediatric PT near you

Pediatric physical therapists specialize in treating children’s physical and neuromuscular disorders. These physical therapists aim to improve the quality of life of young children by improving their balance and gait, coordination, mobility, and physical development. They work to help kids perform everyday activities, like moving, walking and playing with greater ease. If you’re interested in learning more ways pediatric PT can help your child, here’s what you need to know about the conditions they treat as well as the techniques they often use.

What conditions can children’s physical therapy be used to treat?

The list of conditions that a children’s physical therapist can treat is extensive, but these are just some of the most common conditions that can benefit from PT:

• Many kinds of injuries.
• Genetic disorders.
• Toe walking.
• Autism.
• Balance and gait disorders.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• Neuromuscular disorders.

Which techniques might a physical therapist use to treat children?

Physical therapists use a number of techniques to treat children. Some of the most common include:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy is a popular treatment technique that uses hands to manipulate soft tissue. If your child is experiencing muscle tension or excessive scar tissue development, manual therapy can help improve pain, tightness and range of motion. It’s used to treat a variety of conditions because of its effectiveness.
   
• Functional movement and exercises — Functional movement, also known as functional “play,” is a type of therapeutic treatment used to aid a child’s development. It involves guiding a child through a series of intentional movements and exercises to help them grow physically, mentally and socially. This type of play can improve your child’s performance at home, at school and when interacting with those around them.
   
• Neuromuscular reeducation — Neuromuscular reeducation is a type of exercise that improves a child’s balance and movement by activating certain muscles. It opens the door for newer, improved patterns of movement in the body.
   
• Adaptive equipment — One way that a physical therapist might treat your child is by encouraging them to use adaptive equipment. Adaptive equipment includes wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other types of tools that might help them move more independently. Equipment can often improve a child’s quality of life and help them become more comfortable during movement.

What types of benefits might your child receive from pediatric physical therapy treatment?

There are a multitude of benefits associated with physical therapy. These benefits are available to people of all ages, including young children. Your child will likely experience one or more of the benefits listed below during treatment: 

• Improved balance and coordination — Many children struggle with poor balance and improper gait. Physical therapy can be an effective tool for children with these types of issues because it can help them learn how to improve their walking patterns and balance with steady practice and professional guidance.
   
• Strengthened muscles — Muscle development is a normal part of childhood, but some children may experience muscle growth and development obstacles. Physical therapy can help your child through the exercises they need to improve their muscle strength so they can get back to play and movement sooner.
   
• Improved posture — Poor posture can result from certain medical conditions, a lack of physical activity and poor abdominal strength, to name a few. A physical therapist can help your child work to improve their posture so that the rest of their physical health may also benefit.
   
• Learning how to use their adaptive equipment — Children’s physical therapists are an excellent resource for children who are new to adaptive equipment, like wheelchairs. They can help your child learn how to navigate life using their new equipment and how they can become more comfortable with it.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find a top-notch physical therapist near you who can treat your child

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country. Our aim is to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner near you, which can help you address your child’s physical health. We understand that, as parents, you’re interested in improving your child’s quality of life. We are, too.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your child’s injury or chronic condition today!