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San Diego Occupational Therapy now offers individualized physical therapy services that can help your child flourish and succeed.
What is a pediatric physical therapist? A pediatric physical therapist has advanced training and education in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and preventing delays in gross motor skills related to strength, flexibility, posture, balance, coordination, motor planning, and motor learning. Physical therapists look at whether or not a child can perform a particular movement or skill, and assess how the movement or skill is done. What does pediatric physical therapy look like? Pediatric physical therapy involves interventions to improve gross motor skills in children from birth to adolescence to improve a child’s ability to function independently and enhance their mobility. Treatment is based on the specific needs of each child and often includes improving strength, flexibility, posture, balance, coordination, motor planning, and motor learning. Physical therapists focus on making movement more efficient and promoting safety in the child’s natural environment. Pediatric physical therapy sessions look and feel like play. Physical therapists engage children with fun, age-appropriate games and activities to keep them motivated and happy. Families play an important role in therapy, collaborating with the therapist to create an individualized program. Parent education and support is also an important component of pediatric physical therapy. Common physical therapy diagnoses:
How do I know if my child needs physical therapy? Below are some signs that indicate a physical therapy evaluation may be warranted: Signs for 0-16 months of age
General signs of gross motor delays
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