What We Offer
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy focuses on helping children develop the gross motor skills they need to move, explore and navigate their world freely. By working on muscle strengthening, balance training, coordination, and motor control, physical therapy lays the foundation for successful attainment of future developmental milestones including fine motor, oral motor and speech skills in addition to higher level gross motor skills. Early intervention is critical for maximizing neuroplasticity and allowing children the opportunity to progress to higher levels of physical mobility. By using play-based activities and developmentally appropriate exercises, pediatric physical therapy supports each child’s unique needs, helping them reach their full potential while improving their quality of life. We’ll partner with you and your child to explain the importance of each step in gross motor skill development and ensure we are targeting the goals and skills that are most important to you.
Dynamic Movement Intervention
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a therapeutic technique used by certified licensed physical and occupational therapists to treat children with motor delay regardless of their cognition or neurological deficit. The goal of DMI is to improve automatic postural responses to the demands of gravity while stimulating neuroplasticity to promote progress towards all developmental milestones. It focuses on providing structured, dynamic, functional activities while continuously progressing the level of difficulty and providing new motor and sensory input. Your therapist will use specific, guided movements and activities to engage your child’s body and brain in ways that promote development of more functional and efficient movement patterns with emphasis on good anatomical alignment and posture.
Orthotic Management
Orthotics offer significant benefits for children with gait and mobility impairments by improving stability, balance, and posture. They provide support to joints and muscles, enhance musculoskeletal alignment, prevent future deformities, and reduce the risk of falls. By promoting proper alignment and movement patterns, orthotics encourage muscle strengthening, boost confidence, and help children become more independent ambulators. Custom-designed to meet each child’s unique needs, orthotics should never cause discomfort. On the contrary, they often enhance confidence and allow children to participate more fully in life, improving both physical function and overall quality of life. We conduct comprehensive evaluations before recommending the most appropriate orthotics for your child’s needs and work closely with families to ensure proper use, an appropriate wear schedule, and understanding of the reasoning behind their use. When combined with high-quality physical therapy services, lower extremity orthotics serve as an excellent tool to support your child's progress.
Adjuncts to Therapy
There are a variety of adjuncts to therapy that can be beneficial during physical therapy sessions and at home. We have experience and expertise in using many of these tools, including but not limited to: vibration plates, TheraTogs, Spios, weighted vests, immobilizers, walkers, gait trainers, forearm crutches, standers, strollers, and wheelchairs. These tools can help children build confidence, strength, and mobility as they progress in their therapy journey. Some are used for short periods, while others are used more consistently. We are here to make recommendations, trial equipment, and guide you and your child in using these tools effectively to support their progress toward their goals.
