Physical therapy focuses on helping children to safely move around their environment as well as participate in other important physical activities that support play. Examples of such physical activities include crawling, walking, running, climbing, jumping, and participating in games. In addition, physical therapists also work with children who use mobility aids such as orthotics, wheelchairs, and gait trainers with the focus of therapy being the successful use of such devices for children to safely negotiate their home, school, and community environments. Physical therapists provide evaluation, treatment and consultation in the following areas:

• Gross motor development
• Muscle tone and strength
• Posture/postural control
• Pre-gait and gait training
• Neuromuscular function
• Endurance
• Body alignment
• Environmental adaptations/seating and positioning
• Wheelchair positioning and mobility
• Splinting/bracing/orthotics

What are some symptoms and/or signs that your child may benefit from a Physical Therapy evaluation?

• Poor tolerance for position changes or developmentally appropriate positions
• Decreased endurance
• Decreased ability to actively move against gravity
• Muscle tremor with active movement
• Limitations in range of motion
• Decreased functional skills (i.e. transfers, mobility)
• Poor posture
• Impaired balance
• Delayed gross motor skills

These lists are not all-inclusive and an evaluation is necessary to determine if therapy is appropriate for each child.