Physical Therapy 

Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on children with various physical disabilities or developmental delays. Pediatric physical therapists work with children and young adults across the early lifespan (infanthood through early adulthood) to improve their strength, balance, mobility, coordination, and general physical function. The goal is to help children reach their full potential and improve their quality of life through individualized interventions.

At CI, physical therapists are not just treating a condition but rather the whole child. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some common conditions that a pediatric physical therapist might encounter as they support children in working towards their maximum potential:

• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Hemiplegia
• Hypotonia/Hypertonia
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Scoliosis
• Down syndrome
• Gait abnormalities
• Gross motor delay
• Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly
• Torticollis 
• Genetic mutations

A child can start benefiting from physical therapy services at any age. Our pediatric physical therapists see infants all the way up to young adults. Providing your child with early intervention allows for significant growth at a critical period in your child’s development. Reach out as soon as you have concerns about your child’s development to complete a free developmental screener or consultation. CI is here to provide you and your child the resources and education needed to reach their maximum potential.

Physical therapy may be beneficial if your child

• Falls down frequently
• Seems more comfortable walking up on their "tippy toes"
• Has trouble climbing playground equipment
• Isn't running or jumping like other kids their age
• Prefers support when sitting or standing/often leans into surfaces

During your child’s first physical therapy session, the therapist will answer any additional questions or updates you may have from the initial evaluation. The session will be centered around your child’s strengths and interests in order to promote rapport building while incorporating interventions and treatment to target their current physical therapy goals. The therapist will utilize the child’s individual goals and personal interests to drive the focus of each session.

Physical therapy sessions vary in duration and frequency depending on the specific needs of your child, but sessions are typically 60-120 minutes.

Treatment plans and length of care is highly dependent on the unique needs of your child. Factors that may impact length of care may include age, comorbidities, complexities of diagnoses, home carryover, and so much more.

CI is in network with many insurance providers. Physical therapy is covered by some insurance policies. Oftentimes that coverage depends on the diagnosis we are treating. It is important to know if your insurance policy has any exclusions related to the area for which you are seeking treatment. It's always important to confirm coverage and plan specifics with individual insurance providers. We love to collaborate with families, and our billing team can support you as you investigate and help explain your coverage and benefits.

Physical therapy providers at CI are nationally certified and state licensed. All of our physical therapy team members are highly qualified experts with the necessary skills and experience to support your child. CI physical therapy providers regularly participate in continuing education opportunities and often receive additional certifications for even more specialized training in a particular aspect of their scope of practice.

Families are always welcome (and encouraged!) to join sessions. This can be a great way to support carryover of skills learned during physical therapy to other environments.

Our skilled therapists will provide you with a home exercise program to promote home carry over and help make progress toward their individual goals.

• Adaptive Bike Training
• Adaptive Equipment Recommendations
• Athletic Rehabilitation
• Balance Training
• Consultation with Local Orthotists and Equipment Vendors
• Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)
• Functional Mobility Training
• Home Exercise Programs
• Increasing Proprioceptive Awareness
• Intensive Therapy Program and Therasuit®
• Manual Range of Motion Exercises
• Manual Therapy Techniques
• Pain Management
• Parent/Caregiver Education
• Partial Weight-Bearing Treadmill and Gait Training
• Service Coordination
• Stretching
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Therapeutic Taping Techniques
• Torticollis Treatment

Pediatric physical therapy incorporates fun and play as essential components of treatment, utilizing engaging activities and games to motivate children to participate in therapy and achieve their goals. CI pediatric physical therapists utilize a playful approach to make therapy sessions enjoyable and effective for younger patients.

Yes! We know that every child is unique and will require individualized treatment. Each child will be evaluated thoroughly by a physical therapist who will develop a personalized treatment plan including goals targeting skills that are important to them and their family and will allow them to safely interact with their peers. These goals are assessed frequently and updated or progressed as needed to ensure every child’s treatment plan is up-to-date and effective.   

Physical therapy services begin with an initial evaluation which includes assessment of the relevant areas of concern for the child and their family. Based on client and family priorities as well as evaluation assessment results, measurable goals are developed. The physical therapy provider completes documentation for each therapy session, including data regarding progress towards the child’s goals. As goals are attained, new goals are developed to allow for continued progression. Family-centered care is highly valued at CI, so therapists engage in ongoing collaboration with families to ensure the care they are providing and the goals they are addressing are well-matched and remain relevant to what’s meaningful to each child and their family.