Could your child benefit from physical therapy?
- Posted on: Apr 28 2014
If your child is having difficulty moving and it’s interfering with his or her daily activities, he or she may need physical therapy.
A physical therapist (PT) can help relieve pain and teach your child exercises that will help him or her regain strength and range of motion. A therapist can also help your child avoid future injuries.
Your pediatrician may recommend physical therapy for any of the following:
- Sports injuries
- Developmental delays
- Cerebral palsy
- Genetic disorders
- Heart and lung conditions
- Birth defects
- Head injury
- Muscle diseases
During your child’s initial visit, a PT will likely analyze the way your child walks and runs; measure his or her flexibility and strength; and identify potential and existing problems. Depending on your child’s needs, a PT may help your child crawl or walk; use heat, cold, massage or ultrasound to improve circulation around an injury; and do flexibility exercises to increase range of motion.
Therapy may also involve water exercises, balance and coordination activities and strength training. The therapy is done in a fun way so that your child is engaged in the process.
Parents should expect to be involved in the therapy process. You usually attend the session with your child. Once your child goes home, you’ll need to help him or her with any prescribed exercises.
For more information on how physical therapy can help children, contact us here.
Tagged with: physical therapy, physical therapy for children
Posted in: All Posts, Evidence Based Medicine
