PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical Therapy session for kids

Physical therapy for kids is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on improving a child’s physical abilities and functional mobility. Physical therapy can be beneficial for children who have experienced injury, illness, or disability, as well as those who have developmental delays or motor impairments. Physical therapy for kids can help children improve their strength, endurance, coordination, balance, and overall physical functioning.

One of the primary goals of physical therapy for kids is to help children achieve their maximum physical potential. Physical therapists who work with children are specially trained to assess and treat a range of conditions that affect physical function, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, developmental delays, and muscular dystrophy.

Physical therapy for kids typically involves a range of techniques and strategies that are tailored to the individual needs of the child. Some of the most common techniques used in physical therapy for kids include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, gait training, and neuromuscular re-education.

Therapeutic exercise involves specific exercises that are designed to improve strength, range of motion, and endurance. Therapeutic exercise can help children improve their physical abilities, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase their overall functional mobility.

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that are used to improve joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness. Manual therapy can be particularly helpful for children who have experienced injury or who have conditions that affect joint function.

Gait training is a form of therapy that is designed to help children improve their walking ability. Gait training may involve exercises to improve strength and balance, as well as the use of assistive devices such as braces or crutches.

Neuromuscular re-education is a form of therapy that is designed to help children improve their muscle control and coordination. Neuromuscular re-education can be particularly helpful for children who have experienced injury or who have conditions that affect muscle function.

In addition to these techniques, physical therapy for kids may also involve the use of assistive devices, such as braces, orthotics, or mobility aids. These devices can help children improve their functional mobility and reduce the risk of injury or further disability.

Physical therapy for kids is typically provided by licensed physical therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents. When seeking physical therapy for a child, it is important to choose a physical therapist who has experience working with children who have similar conditions or issues.

In addition to physical therapy, there are a range of other interventions that may be recommended for children who have physical disabilities or impairments. These interventions may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and adaptive equipment or technology.

One of the key benefits of physical therapy for kids is that it can help children improve their physical abilities and overall quality of life. Children who receive physical therapy may experience improved mobility, increased strength, and endurance, and reduced pain and stiffness. Physical therapy can also help children develop the skills and abilities they need to be more independent and participate more fully in daily activities.

However, physical therapy for kids may also present certain challenges. Children may feel anxious or uncomfortable during therapy sessions, particularly if they have experienced pain or discomfort related to their.

Neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT)
Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) is a hands-on treatment approach used by physical therapists and was developed to enhance the function of adults and children who have difficulty controlling movement as a result of neurological challenges, such as cerebral palsy, stroke, and head injury.

NDT was developed with the understanding that patients with brain injuries have a limited repertoire of movement patterns. During treatment interventions, repeated experience in movement ensures that a particular pattern is readily accessible for motor performance. The more a patient performs certain movements, the easier these movements become. Without NDT interventions, the patient likely will develop a limited set of movement patterns that he or she will apply to nearly all tasks. NDT should begin before such generalized movement synergies become hard-wired in the patient’s brain.NDT includes the facilitation of movement through handling and play activities.

At My Whole Child (MWC) we provide one-on-one physical therapy treatments sessions through fun, developmentally appropriate, family-centered, and play-based techniques, with the purpose to restore, improve, facilitate, promote, and maximize kids’ development, range of motion, physical strength, function, participation, quality of life and overall wellbeing.