Does My Child Need Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Who would have thought that Physical therapy, which is usually for adults recovering from an illness, would suddenly be needed for children? Everyone knows physical therapy is for older adults, right?  This is why it doesn't cross the mind of an average parent to recommend it for their child. Trust me; if your child has some developmental delay or an injury, then your child needs physical therapy. 

This is because simple tasks like climbing the stairs, using eating utensils, or even tilting their head to the left or right could be difficult for them to accomplish. This is where the job of a pediatric physical therapist comes in.  Pediatric Physical therapy is the therapy discipline that exercises or works the muscles and tendons. One can liken it to being in a workout session or gym with a personal trainer just for a child; it will require a trainer specially trained for this, like Dr. Alex Klurfeld. 

A Pediatric Physical therapist treats kids who are under 18, so technically from newborns to teenagers. They see children for various reasons such as muscle and bone problems, spine and nerve disorders, genetic problems, developmental delays,  and injuries, including sports-related injuries. 

Pediatric Physical therapists will help your kid improve their motion, flexibility, and strength. The goal of getting a physical therapist for your child is to help your child carry out their everyday activities with ease and grow in all aspects of their lives.

You probably will be asking yourself what are the benefits of pediatric physical therapy?  There are many advantages of pediatric physical therapy that can help a child both physically and mentally. Physical therapy will help children learn functional motor and mobility skills successfully. Learning these skills makes the children independent and boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Physical therapy helps children and young adults learn how to prevent injuries while playing sports.   

Physical therapists can help your child's mental and emotional health as well as their physical health.   A well-trained pediatric physical therapist will teach your child how to have a positive outlook while overcoming hardship.  They will help your child develop stamina, grit, and commitment to a higher goal.

It encompasses developmental activities, therapeutic exercises, and mental exercises that ensure the overall wellbeing of any child passing through it. There is rehabilitative physical therapy, one of Dr. Alex Klurfeld’s vital services, which is crucial and beneficial to patients who have undergone surgery or have had injuries in the past. This service will help them regain their strength and level of activity as they had in the past. 

As a first-time or new parent, it is not unusual to be anxious about when your baby will meet its next developmental milestone. It is also easy to compare your baby’s skills to other babies.  Parents often begin to worry that their baby is not crawling like other babies their age are. Parents should understand that different babies achieve their milestones on their own schedules.  A baby being a little ahead or behind other babies does not mean that they have a medical condition or will end up as a star athlete. However, there does come a time that calls for concern, and this might require the parent speaking to a physician who could then refer their child to a pediatric physical therapist.  This trained professional will carefully evaluate their child and create a specialized treatment plan. 

Your child may need a pediatric physical therapist

• When the baby is not reaching physical developmental milestones such as sitting at eight months, standing at 12 months, walking at 18 months, or the child prefers to turn the head to only one side. 
• When the child has a habit of walking awkwardly.
• When the child prefers to use one part or one side of their body.
• When experiencing pain during physical activities like walking, jumping, standing, or sitting.
• When the child does not seem to catch up with other children.
• When having problems with their gross motor skills.
• When injured and does not seem to recover quickly or after surgery.  

Your child may not be experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, but your pediatrician may still refer them to a pediatric physical therapist for other conditions. Examples of such conditions are Autism, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, pediatric stroke, or even spinal cord disorder.

After an initial examination of your child, a treatment plan will be drawn, which will involve your child having to attend several sessions in a week. The number of sessions will decrease as the child responds to the therapy. Your child‘s pediatric physical therapist will also educate you on some of the activities you have to do to help your child respond effectively. 

Some of the general instructions may include;

• You will need to get involved in your child’s therapy because whatever you do for the child at home is important for their progress.
• You will be instructed not to position the child in specific ways that inhibit good posture.
• It is important to exercise with your child. We know that children do what they see adults doing, not exactly what we tell them to do. Therefore in between sessions in the clinic, create time to exercise and bond with your child at home.
• In a situation where your child is restricted to only one mobility pattern, the therapist will introduce you to new methods or technologies that will help expand your child‘s mobility which you can practice with your child at home. 

There is no doubt that there could be a point in time where children could need physical therapy just like adults. Do not hesitate to reach out to any physical therapy clinics around you. Take comfort in the fact that your child is striving to learn and grow, and with your support and love, you will see your baby leaving for college.

• Is Paediatric Physical Therapy right for your child? Assessed on 6th October, 2021. Available at https://www.capefearortho.com/is-pediatric-physical-therapy-right-for-your-child/ 
• Michael A.A and Dennis J.M (2009). Paediatric Rehabilitation: principles and practice. [DNLM: 1. Disabled Children—rehabilitation. WS 368 P37125 2009]RJ138.P38 617.03—dc22
• Why Your Child Should See a Paediatric Physical Therapist. Assessed on 6thOctober, 2021. Available at https://www.betterpt.com/post/why-your-child-should-see-a-pediatric-physical-therapist 
• When to Take Your Child to the Physical Therapist. Assessed on 6thOctober, 2021. Available at https://onlinephysicaltherapyprograms.com/parent-resource/