Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapists evaluate and treat motor dysfunctions to help children achieve typical gross motor development. Physical therapists assess how a child moves, in addition to a child's flexibility, strength, balance and coordination skills. Pediatric physical therapists address common motor developmental delays including rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking. Physical therapists are also trained to assist children who may have neurological or genetic disorders. In addition to children who have abnormal muscle tone, poor posture, and abnormal walking, jumping or running patterns.

At Spectrum Pediatric Therapy, our physical therapists work to help children develop the independence and safety necessary to successfully participate in their environments. Our goal is to make the most of each child’s abilities, as opposed to focusing on their disabilities. Our pediatric physical therapists provide evaluation, intervention, and consultation in the following areas:

• Mobility
• Muscle and joint function
• Strength and endurance
• Cardiopulmonary status
• Posture and balance
• Neuromotor development
• Use of adaptive equipment
• Developmental activities
• Tone management
• Orthotics and prosthetics

The need for physical therapy often arises as a result of a disability or congenital deficit. If you notice that your child has trouble completing age-appropriate tasks such as turning head to both sides, crawling or walking then physical therapy might be necessary. A visit to a Physical Therapist might also be in order if you notice your child is excessively clumsy, walks on toes, is regressing in current skills or not meeting developmental milestones.

Examples of areas of specialization:

• Hydrocephalus/Microcephaly
• Scoliosis
• Abnormal Posture
• ROM Limitations
• Wheelchair Management
• Muscle strengthening
• Coordination Disorder
• Brachial Plexus injury
• Developmental Delay
• Congenital Deformities
• Toe Walking
• Torticollis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Gait Abnormalities