WHAT EXACTLY DO PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO? IS IT SIMILAR TO ADULT PHYSICAL THERAPY?

The most common question we get from parents, friends and family members is “What do you do with infants? I am confused! Is it similar to traditional physical therapy for adults and how could that be, they are just infants?”

Infants are a little trickier and a specialized physical therapist who has a lot of experience with infants is necessary to provide treatment. It is often through this experience that subtle changes in movement are evaluated and observed. Physical therapists are movement experts and treating infants is the true test of our observational and movement evaluation skills. Since infants are so small, it is often challenging to see subtle changes which is why working with a Pediatric Physical Therapist who specializes in treating infants is important. 

Pediatric physical therapy is different than traditional adult physical therapy in that traditional exercises which adults perform are modified and performed during play. Children do not realize they are performing tasks which are challenging for them. There is a lot of finesse in what Pediatric Physical Therapists do and what looks like “just play” always has a purpose in what we are doing to achieve your child’s goals. Most kids love coming to physical therapy because they think they are going to play! For example, if your child is discovered to have weak core musculature, instead of doing planks to strengthen as you might in adult therapy, we may chose to play on our belly on a swing while reaching for game or puzzle pieces or we may play on our back with our arms, legs and head off the floor kicking to music or reaching for a toy, for example. Finding play activities which also work towards achieving goals is what sets pediatric physical therapy apart from other outpatient adult physical therapy clinics.  At Blue Tang Physical Therapy, we know children best!

Sometimes your pediatrician may recommend an evaluation by a Pediatric Physical Therapist for your child for a specific diagnosis and give you a referral. Other times, you, as a parent, may recognize your child is developing differently than that of their peers or maybe what you remember from a sibling at the same age. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, give our clinic a call and we can discuss if an evaluation is right for your child and we will guide you in the next steps.

 You can choose a Pediatric Physical Therapist the same way you might choose a pediatric physician or dentist for your child through recommendations from your doctor, family, friends, internet, etc. Even if your insurance requires a physician referral for Pediatric Physical Therapy, you always have the right to see the Pediatric Physical Therapist of your choice. Contact us to determine if we meet your child's needs. 603.231.1774

 The first visit for your child is typically between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. During that time your child’s medical and social history is discussed and we listen to your concerns. Most of the time your child is playing and it is really during play when we observe your child’s gross motor developmental skills, impairments, gait (if walking) and neurological development. We may take measurements and ask a lot of questions. We are getting to know your child and understanding your concerns to develop the best course of action for follow up visits. At the end of the evaluation, recommendations are offered based on observations, standardized testing and communication from parents/guardians to determine frequency of future visits or if physical therapy services are necessary. We try our best to have the physical therapist who evaluates your child also be the physical therapist who treats your child. We strongly believe in developing relationships in which consistency and continuity of care play a vital role. During the evaluation and treatment sessions, we ask that the parent/guardian be present throughout the session. As a parent/guardian you know your child best and are a vital member of the team, learning what we are working on and why helps with activities to perform at home. Our sessions are fun and playful and your child rarely thinks they are in traditional “physical therapy” which is the hallmark of providing good pediatric rehabilitation care. 

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR OPENING DAY IN JUNE 2025!

Have a question for us? Contact us today and we'll be happy to assist you! 603.231.1774