During an initial visit, a physical therapist will check your child’s strength, coordination, development, and see how easily they can stand, walk, and complete tasks appropriate for their age to see if there is a delay. From there, a PT will work with you and your child to figure out a treatment plan. 

 

Physical therapists can help kids with many issues, including:

• Delays in development, such as a child who should be walking

• Not reaching age appropriate milestones 

• Genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome

• Improve range of motion, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns 

• Muscle weakness or imbalances

• Poor coordination and/or motor planning 

• Nerve/muscle conditions, such as cerebral palsy

 

Physical therapists help improve gross motor skills (tasks that involve large muscle groups, like walking and throwing) by encouraging kids to do things like:

• Play on large exercise balls to build strength

• Run/hop around to improve their coordination

• Balance on a balance beam

• Stand on one foot