Physical therapy is a way to support natural healing and recovery. It may be necessary for anyone, including children, after an accident or long illness. Kids physical therapy could support their ability to grow and heal fully. But does my child need physical therapy? Will they just “grow out of it” naturally? Here’s what you should know about pediatric therapy.
Understanding Pediatric Physical Therapy
Physical therapy supports the body’s proper growth and development, healing and recovery, and function. It could improve flexibility and strength, give your child more confidence in their day-to-day activities, and prevent further injury or disease progression.
Children often need physical therapy to support healing from injuries, overcome illness limitations, or work through developmental delays. If you are unsure if your child needs or could benefit from therapy, contact our clinic now to find out how we can help.
Does My Child Need Physical Therapy?
Your child may benefit from physical therapy in a variety of situations, especially in the following situations.
Motor Issues
Some children need physical therapy to overcome various motor issues. The most common conditions that could cause motor issues in a child include:
- Developmental coordination disorder, or dyspraxia
- Cerebral palsy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Acquired brain injuries such as from accidents
- Spina Bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
To know if your child has these concerns, consider their overall mobility and development. Often, a doctor may recommend this type of treatment. Other times, you can reach out directly to our physical therapists for an evaluation.
Chronic Pain
A child suffering from chronic pain may benefit from physical therapy. Your child may state they suffer pain, or they may not. Physical therapy could significantly improve the cause of pain from conditions such as movement-related issues, muscle pain, and joint damage.
Poor Posture and Balance
In some children, posture becomes a concern, especially if there are underlying muscle or bone-structure concerns. Poor posture may worsen over time and can lead to debilitating pain and limitations on movement later. This could lead to difficulty with standing, walking, or sitting for long periods of time. Physical therapy may offer support by improving the muscles and functions of these structures. It can also help improve the proper movement of each muscle, ligament, and tendon. That could improve coordination and make it easier to have good posture.
Muscle Weakness
Some children do not develop property strength in muscles as they get older. Toddlers often face underdevelopment, which could lead to delays in motor development. In these cases, your physical therapist will examine the child and develop a treatment plan to address muscle imbalance or limitations and strengthen them safely.
Injury Recovery
It’s not uncommon for a child to suffer a fall or perhaps even break a bone. When that happens, the overcompensation can cause long-term injury. By getting your child help now after injuries, their body receives the support it needs to heal properly.
Developmental Issues
Delays in motor development could impact your child’s ability to do various physical activities. If a child’s musculoskeletal system does not develop properly, for example, this can lead to delays in crawling or walking, which could worsen over time.
Genetic Diseases and Birth Defects
A range of conditions may lead to the onset of delays in development, including autism spectrum disorder, birth defects, or genetic conditions. In all cases, a physical therapist will work with your child to create a plan that’s fun and engaging but also works to strengthen their body’s movements and functions. Conditions like torticollis or wry neck may see significant improvement as well as a reduction in it worsening if physical therapy is put into place early on.
The Benefits of Kids Physical Therapy
With the use of pediatric physical therapy exercises and movements, it is possible to see a significant improvement in the function of a child’s musculoskeletal system. Consider some of the benefits that may apply to your child:
- Building strength: Strength building could significantly improve many of the developmental delays listed here. Through fun games and interactive therapy, your children can have fun while building muscle strength.
- Improved movement: It is important for a child to be able to move and to do so in the proper function. That minimizes the risk of ongoing injury or worsening conditions. Movement dysfunction now could impact a child’s future ability to move and function as desired.
- Reduced pain: Pain is a very real factor for children with mobility issues. Physical therapy helps improve communication from the brain to the injured areas, supporting a reduction in inflammation and speeding healing.
- Coordination and balance improvements: From walking and crawling to being able to hit a baseball with a bat, children who engage in physical therapy tend to see improved balance and coordination. That impacts everything they do throughout their lifetime.
- Improved quality of life: For some children, physical therapy can support more natural movement and ensure they can do more of the things they want to do.
Physical therapy for kids supports healthy growth and function. It can help your child recover from an injury, rebuild strength after a long hospital stay, or develop specific skills to help them with sports or improved movement. Most importantly, physical therapy is always custom-designed to meet your child’s needs. That means the benefits they see are specific to their areas of need.
Call Rock Valley PT Today – We Are Here to Help You
To learn more about how kids’ physical therapy could help support your child’s health and well-being, contact Rock Valley Physical Therapy today. Allow our team to provide you with a customized treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs. Request an appointment now to learn more about the strategies we offer and the care methods we use to change and support children who need physical therapy.To learn more about how kids physical therapy could help support your child’s health and well-being, contact Rock Valley Physical Therapy today. Allow our team to provide you with a customized treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs. Request an appointment now to learn more about the strategies we offer and the care methods we use to change and support children who need physical therapy. Give your child the tools and resources they need to thrive.