What is pediatric physical therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy helps children improve their posture, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and quality of movements to reach their developmental goals and foster independence at home and in the community. We utilize a variety of hands-on facilitation, positioning techniques, and Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) exercises to provide a comprehensive approach and aid in development of motor milestones. Our goal is to educate and empower parents to play with purpose to help their child move effortlessly, play, explore, and become the best version of themselves. 

Common concerns seen in pediatric physical therapy:

  • You have been told to "wait and see" 
  • Your child struggles with tummy time
  • Your child resists rolling
  • Your child has a preferred side 
  • Your child looks one direction and has a flat spot
  • Your child flings backward in sitting or does not use their arms for balance
  • Your child crawls with one leg up for scoots on their bottom
  • Your child skipped major motor milestones, such as crawling on hands and knees
  • Your child takes more than 2-3 months to progress to the next major motor milestone
  • Your child does not support themselves in standing
  • Your child continues to fall as soon as assistance is released when walking
  • Your child frequently W-sits
  • Your child is clumsy and frequently trips and/or falls
  • Your child has a difficulty time keeping up with their peers on the playground
  • You have concerns about your childs gross motor skills, at Milestones At Play all concerns are valid.

Diagnoses we commonly see in pediatric physical therapy:

  • Developmental Delay
  • Torticollis/Plagiocephaly
  • Hypotonia/low tone
  • Down's Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Prematurity 
  • Toe-walking
  • Frequent tripping and/or frequent falls
  • Other Orthopedic, Neurological, and Genetic conditions affecting motor development. 

In order to keep your child developmentally on track we highly recommend scheduling a pediatric physical therapy evaluation if your child:

  • Does not tolerate tummy time by 3 months of age
  • Is not rolling by 6 months of age
  • Is not sitting by 8 months of age
  • Is not crawling by 10 months of age
  • Is not standing by 12 months of age
  • Is not walking by 16 months of age

We take a team approach, working closely with you, your pediatrician, specialists, orthotists, equipment providers, therapists and teachers to help your child reach their highest potential. 

At Milestones At Play we are on your side. It is our goal to address your concerns, prevent gross motor delays, take the guess work out of developmental milestones and to give you the tools necessary to create gross motor confidence in your child. 

Back to Services 

Physical Therapy & Wellness Evaluations

75-90 minutes

If you feel your child would benefit from pediatric physical therapy services and you'd like to begin services at Milestones At Play, schedule an evaluation today! A referral is not required to get started. 

This is a one-on-one, in depth evaluation consisting of an age appropriate analysis of posture, balance and coordination, flexibility, strength, mobility skills, transitional movements, quality of movements, motor planning, gait/walking quality, and higher level gross motor skills, if appropriate. Your concerns are our number one priority. 

You will receive:

  • A written report with the results outlining your child's strengths and areas that could be improved with physical therapy.
  • Demonstration and education on purposeful play activities specific to your child and home.
  • A detailed home exercise program complete with pictures specific to your child and their gross motor goals.
  • A list of developmentally appropriate toys specific to your child and their goals. 
  • Ongoing concierge support via phone and/or email to ensure success.

All physical therapy clients MUST schedule an evaluation for their first session at Milestones At Play.  

Physical Therapy & Wellness Sessions

45-60 minutes

This is where the fun happens! Toys, bubbles, laughs, play, and hard work from all parties involved. We meet your child where they are developmentally and challenge them through purposeful play activities to increase strength, improve balance and coordination, and meet goals. 

Each session includes:

  • Hands-on education on ways to purposefully play with your child in your own home. 
  • Updates to your home exercise program based on your child's progress.
  • Ongoing concierge support via phone or email to ensure success. 

This appointment type is ONLY for clients who have previously booked and attended a physical therapy evaluation with Milestones At Play.

 

Physical Therapy & Wellness Session Packages

Let's get results!

Packages are available to all returning clients. Your physical therapist at Milestones At Play will work with you to determine the best frequency of services for you and your child. Packages are currently available for in-home and clinic-based services only. Ask your therapist to learn more!