PHYSICAL THERAPY
Therapeutic treatment to improve physical function and mobility.
ABOUT PHYSICAL THERAPY​
Physical therapy can help children with a range of physical challenges, including:
- Developmental delays: Physical therapy can help children with developmental delays by providing exercises and activities that promote motor skills development, such as crawling, walking, and running.
- Neuromuscular conditions: Physical therapy can help children with neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida by providing exercises and activities that improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination.
- Orthopedic injuries: Physical therapy can help children with orthopedic injuries such as fractures and sprains by providing exercises and activities that promote healing and help restore range of motion, strength, and function.
- Sports injuries: Physical therapy can help children with sports injuries such as strains and sprains by providing exercises and activities that promote healing and help restore range of motion, strength, and function.
- Chronic pain: Physical therapy can help children with chronic pain conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis by providing exercises and activities that promote joint mobility and strength, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
Physical therapy can help children improve their physical abilities, increase their independence, and improve their quality of life. It can also provide support and guidance to families and caregivers, helping them to better understand and support their child’s physical needs.
methods commonly used in physical therapy
Physical therapy for children involves the use of various techniques to help improve a child’s movement, strength, and function. Here are some methods commonly used by physical therapists for children:
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises: Physical therapists use exercises to help children improve their strength, range of motion, and flexibility. These exercises may involve using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises.
Balance and Coordination Training: This therapy is designed to help children improve their balance and coordination. This can involve exercises that challenge a child’s ability to maintain their balance, such as standing on one leg or walking on an unstable surface.
Gait Training: This therapy is used to help children improve their ability to walk. This can involve exercises that focus on improving the strength, flexibility, and coordination of the muscles involved in walking.
Aquatic Therapy: This therapy involves using water to help children improve their movement and function. The buoyancy of water can reduce stress on joints and muscles, making it easier for children to move and exercise.
Assistive Devices: Physical therapists may use assistive devices to help children with mobility or functional limitations. This can include using braces, crutches, or other devices to support or assist a child’s movement.
These are just a few of the methods commonly used by physical therapists for children. The specific techniques used will depend on the individual needs of the child and the goals of therapy.