Physical Therapy for Pediatric aims to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect infants, children, and adolescents. Including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, torticollis and other conditions that impact the musculoskeletal system.
It helps children learn to successfully and independently perform gross motor and functional mobility skills. As a child begins to successfully develop these skills, it creates a greater form of independence that helps contribute to achieving a higher sense of self-esteem.
Physical Therapy treatment may involve:
- Therapeutic activities and exercises helps to correct and modify certain musculoskeletal related developmental issues
- Ultrasound, to promote blood flow and healing by heating the tendons, muscles, and tissues
- Phonophoresis uses ultrasound to deliver certain medications such as topical steroids. This can decrease the presence of inflammation
- Electrical stimulation, or E-stim, which uses topical electrodes on the skin to reduce pain and increase functional capabilities. One type of E-stim is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). At times, anti-inflammatory medications are used with certain E-stim modalities and is referred to as iontophoresis
- Heat, moist heat and cold therapy
- Light therapy, in which special lights and lasers are used to treat certain medical conditions
The physical therapist will recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Benefits of Physical Therapy:
- Pain management with reduced need for opioids
- Avoiding surgery
- Improved mobility and movement
- Recovery from injury or trauma
- Recovery from stroke or paralysis
- Fall prevention
- Improved balance
- Management of age-related medical problems
Physical Therapists study areas such as biology, anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal studies.
According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, this type of treatment benefits not only the physical body. It: “Is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing.”
Our very own pediatric PT Melanie Low has worked in outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, home health, and skilled nursing. Working in pediatrics though is an area close to her heart. She understands that collaborating with parents is key to successful therapy and strives to build those bridges of rapport and care for all her patients.
Melanie is passionate about helping children develop their skills and abilities, become strong and independent, strive to live the best life possible. She has worked with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), idiopathic toe walkers, cerebral palsy, torticollis/plagiocephaly, down syndrome, other developmental delays as well as a range of orthopedic diagnoses.
If you are looking for a suitable Physical Therapist for your child, we have openings and are scheduling patients. So don’t hesitate to contact us today!