PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

Some children may experience delays in reaching motor milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, or walking. Pediatric physical therapy helps by providing structured exercises and activities to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and enhance motor planning. Early intervention can play a crucial role in helping children gain the skills they need to move independently and confidently.

This neurological condition affects muscle tone, movement, and posture, often making it difficult for children to perform everyday activities. Physical therapy helps improve strength, flexibility, and mobility while managing muscle tightness (spasticity). Therapy may include stretching exercises, functional mobility training, bracing, and adaptive equipment recommendations to support movement and independence.

Torticollis occurs when a baby’s neck muscles are tight or imbalanced, leading to difficulty turning their head. This can also contribute to plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head). Pediatric physical therapy provides gentle stretching exercises, repositioning strategies, and strengthening techniques to promote balanced head and neck movement, helping babies develop normal movement patterns.

Children with Down syndrome often have low muscle tone (hypotonia), joint laxity, and developmental delays, which can affect their ability to sit, stand, and walk. Physical therapy focuses on improving strength, balance, coordination, and endurance to help children gain independence in daily activities. Therapy also addresses walking patterns and posture to support long-term mobility.

Many children with autism experience challenges with motor coordination, balance, and body awareness. Physical therapy can help improve these skills through structured movement activities, obstacle courses, and sensory-based exercises. By enhancing motor planning and strength, children can improve their ability to participate in play, sports, and everyday activities with greater ease.

Conditions such as muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and other genetic disorders can affect a child’s muscle strength, coordination, and overall mobility. Physical therapy focuses on maintaining strength, improving flexibility, and maximizing functional abilities. In some cases, therapists may also recommend assistive devices, bracing, or wheelchair assessments to enhance mobility and independence.

Whether recovering from a fracture, sprain, ligament injury, or post-surgical procedure, pediatric physical therapy helps children regain strength, mobility, and function. Therapy focuses on reducing pain, restoring normal movement patterns, and preventing re-injury so children can safely return to play and daily activities.

Some children walk on their toes rather than using a typical heel-to-toe pattern, which can be linked to muscle tightness, neurological conditions, or sensory preferences. Physical therapy helps by stretching tight muscles, strengthening the lower body, and using gait training techniques to encourage a more natural walking pattern. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues such as muscle contractures or balance difficulties.

Babies born prematurely may have low muscle tone, delayed motor development, or difficulty with coordination. Physical therapy supports their growth by helping them strengthen muscles, improve posture, and develop essential motor skills such as sitting, crawling, and walking. Early therapy can help preemies catch up to their peers and achieve developmental milestones.