PHYSICAL THERAPY

What is pediatric physical therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy treats conditions like developmental delays, congenital disorders, injuries, and neurological or musculoskeletal issues. The goal is to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and motor function through age-appropriate techniques, exercises, and play-based interventions that are both fun and effective.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Pediatric physical therapy also supports early intervention by helping to address developmental concerns in infants or toddlers in order to lay a strong foundation for the proper development of your child. By targeting specific challenges early on, children are more likely to achieve key developmental milestones, build strength and coordination, improve motor skills and gain confidence.

FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE

Pediatric physical therapy helps children develop the skills needed navigate the world more independently and to perform daily tasks on their own. Through personalized therapy plans, children learn how to move, balance, and use their bodies effectively, empowering them to participate in activities like walking, playing, and self-care routines with greater ease.

Pediatric physical therapy is an INVESTMENT in your child's future!

How do I know if my child needs physical therapy?

EXPERIENCING PAIN Complaints of chronic pain, stiffness, or discomfort when walking, running, or playing could suggest musculoskeletal issues that may be alleviated through physical therapy techniques

MUSCLE WEAKNESS Noticeable difficulty in performing activities that require strength—like climbing stairs, getting up from the floor, or lifting objects— or having poor posture could suggest muscle weakness or imbalance that may be addressed through targeted exercises.

LIMITED RANGE OF MOTION If a child walks on their toes or has trouble fully extending or moving a joint, such difficulty bending the knee or reaching overhead, this could indicate tight muscles, joint stiffness, or injury that may be addressed with physical therapy to improve flexibility and mobility.

RECOVERING FROM INJURIES If a child has experienced an injury, surgery, or serious medical condition, physical therapy is often essential to regain strength, mobility, and function, and prevent long-term complications.

ABNORMAL GAIT Walking with an abnormal pattern, such as limping or walking on the toes, can indicate orthopedic issues, such as hip or knee problems, or neurological concerns that can often be addressed with physical therapy.

DIFFICULTY WITH BALANCE AND COORDINATION Frequently falling or struggles with catching a ball, hopping, or riding a bike, can indicate motor skill delays or neurological issues that a physical therapist can help improve.

ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS Fractures of various bones or scoliosis can be treated through specialized exercises to promote lifelong comfort and a better quality of life.

DELAYED MILESTONES If a child is significantly behind in reaching developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking, physical therapy can help address these delays and promote typical development.

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How do I know if my baby needs physical therapy?

DELAY IN GROSS MOTOR SKILLS Difficulty rolling over, sitting up, or crawling when expected. Lack of interest in trying to stand or bear weight on legs. Trouble with balance or coordination as they grow.

POSTURAL ISSUES Flattened areas on the back or side of the head (plagiocephaly). Torticollis (twisting or tilting of the neck).

BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF DISCOMFORT Excessive fussiness when lying on their stomach or trying to move. Difficulty transitioning between positions (e.g., from lying on the back to sitting or crawling).

ASYMMETRY IN MOVEMENT Favoring one side of the body (for example, always turning their head to one side). One arm or leg appearing stiff or less flexible than the other. Uneven movements during play or while trying to reach for toys.

DIFFICULTY IN TUMMY TIME Disinterest or inability to lift their head or chest off the ground during tummy time. Struggling to push up or hold their head steady when lying on their stomach.

Torticollis

What is torticollis?

Torticollis is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles tighten or spasm, causing the head to tilt or rotate to one side. This can result in a limited range of motion in the neck and pain in the neck when trying to turn the head.

TWO TYPES:

Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT): This type is present at birth and occurs when the muscle on one side of the neck (the sternocleidomastoid muscle) becomes tight or shortened, often due to the baby’s position in the womb or during birth.
Positional Torticollis: This form develops after birth and is usually caused by the baby spending a lot of time lying in one position, which can cause their head to tilt to one side.

Signs of torticollis in babies:

Head tilting to one side, with the chin pointing in the opposite direction.
Limited range of motion in the neck (baby may not turn their head fully to one side).
Favoring one side of the body (e.g., turning the head only to one side while feeding or playing).
Flattening of the head (positional plagiocephaly) from lying in one position.

How MOVE STRONG can help:

Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches for the neck muscles to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles on the opposite side of the neck to restore balance and alignment.
Positioning Techniques: Guidance on how to place your baby during tummy time or sleep to encourage head rotation and prevent further flattening of the skull.
Neck Support and Manual Therapy: The therapist may use hands-on techniques to help release muscle tension and realign the neck.