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Pediatric physical therapy is a type of treatment that helps children improve their movement, function, and quality of life. The therapy can help kids who have injuries, illnesses, disabilities, or developmental delays that affect their physical abilities.

Here is a bit of information about pediatric physical therapy and the conditions that it may be used to help treat.

What Is Physical Therapy for Kids?

Physical therapy for kids is a rehabilitative form of pediatric medical support that uses exercises, activities, games, equipment, and other techniques to help children develop, restore, or maintain their physical skills.  A licensed physical therapist is a health professional who has specialized training and experience in working with children and their families. An experienced provider can assess your child's strengths and needs, design a personalized treatment plan, and provide ongoing guidance and support for both the child and parents.

Why Do Kids Need Physical Therapy?

There are many reasons why kids might need physical therapy. Some of the common children's conditions that can benefit from the therapy include:

• Cerebral palsy. A neurological disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and coordination.
• Developmental delay. A condition where a child does not reach certain milestones of physical or mental development at the expected age.
• Torticollis. A condition where the neck muscles are tight or weak, causing the head to tilt or turn to one side.
• Sports or play-related injuries. Injuries that occur during physical activities, such as sprains, strains, fractures, or concussions.
• Autism. A developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.
• Toe walking. A habit of walking on the toes or balls of the feet instead of the whole foot.
• Spina bifida. A birth defect where the spine does not form properly, causing nerve damage and physical disabilities.
• Muscular dystrophy. A category of genetic disorders that result in increasingly weak muscles and a reduction in muscle size.  
• Hypotonia. A condition where the muscles are weak or floppy, affecting posture and movement.
• Down syndrome. A genetic disorder that causes physical and mental developmental delays.

These are just some examples of the conditions that physical therapy can be used to treat. Rehabilitative support can also help kids who have other problems that affect their movement or functionality, such as pain, stiffness, balance problems, lack of coordination, inflexibility, poor endurance, or reduced motor skills.

If you believe that your child could benefit from physical therapy treatment, contact a physical therapist in your local area.