Pediatric Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy as part of a child’s Early Intervention Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) in a Preschool Special Education setting, are therapeutic interventions aimed at maximizing a child’s ability to participate in daily activities in school and at home. The goal specific outcomes of Physical Therapy promote independence and age-appropriate gross motor development, improve strength and flexibility, enhance learning opportunities, and facilitate the learning of self-help and self-care responsibilities. 

Common Issues Addressed by Pediatric Physical Therapy

Orthopedic impairments: Therapists address range of motion limitations, bony asymmetries, bony abnormalities, posture issues, alignment issues, strength deficits, as well as bracing needs and equipment needs.
 
Neuromotor concerns: Therapists address a wide range of issues such as abnormal tone, motor control deficits, neuromotor developmental delays, balance and coordination deficits, protective and righting responses, quality of motor behavior/movement, and motor planning.
 
Sensory issues: Ability to process and respond to sensory information within the environment. Therapists address deficits affecting the tactile (touch), proprioceptive (body/spatial awareness), and vestibular (movement) systems to improve children’s abilities to sense and appropriately respond to their environment. Treatment usually consists of interventions that focus on providing the child with different sensory experiences and helping them become accustomed to those experiences.