Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapy helps facilitate increased independence and participation in daily activities by addressing delays in gross motor skills, strength and range of motion, mobility and gait training, and overall development. Our Physical Therapists work closely with families and other professionals to assist with improving skills in the clinic setting as well as in the home, school, and community.
Development
Changes in development occur most rapidly during the first 2-3 years of life, through a variety of interaction, play, and positioning. Each milestone has its own age range for what’s considered “typical” development. However, if a child is demonstrating delayed achievement of milestones or is not meeting significant milestones, the earlier the intervention is started, the sooner the child can begin to refine the skills needed for later development. For more information on gross motor milestones by age, please click on the Developmental Milestones link.
Strength & Range of Motion
The available range of motion that all of the joints in the body have, as well as the strength of the muscles that surround the joints, can both affect how you move. Physical therapy can help address both the available range of motion that a joint has as well as increasing strength of a muscle to improve stability and mobility.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic physical therapy utilizes the unique knowledge, skills, and training of a physical therapist that cannot be performed by a caregiver, personal trainer, or aquatic instructor. The water can be used for suspension, resistance, increased ease of movement, challenging balance, relaxation of tight muscles, as well as a sensory experience that can be both stimulating or calming depending on how the environment is used. Click on the icon for more information regarding aquatic therapy at MaxAbility.
Common Diagnoses:
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Toe Walking
Common Treatment
Approaches:
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Gait Training
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Strengthening/Stretching
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Positioning & Play
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Aquatic Therapy
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are the large body movements kids use to play and interact with their surroundings. This can be running, jumping, going up the stairs, or climbing on a jungle gym. These activities require skills including: strength, coordination, and and understanding of how your body moves. Physical Therapy addresses these skills and works to improve your child's ability to participate in these activities with their friends.
