What conditions can be treated with Pediatric PT?

Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy and associated disorders, Spina Bifida, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Arthrogryposis, Cardio-Pulmonary Disorders, Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer, and Traumatic Brain Injury. In addition, many children present with hypotonia and developmental coordination disorder without a formal diagnosis. Orthopedic conditions - scoliosis, back pain, sports injuries, fractures, and orthopaedic surgeries.

What is the pediatric PT’srole?

Pediatric physical therapist evaluates and provides treatment for delays in motor skills by developing the strength and range of motion that children need to move easily and effectively. In addition to assessment of flexibility, strength, posture, gait, sensory processing, balance, coordination and skill.Long-term goal - Gross motor skill development solid to age with good quality to both sides of the body.

Despite variations depending on the child, neuromotor development stages occur in a specific order in the first years of life.

The order of a normal motor development for an infant is:

  • At 3 months old baby should be able to:
    - Raise the head while on the stomach
    - Open and close the hands
    - Bring the hand to the mouth
    - Catch and shake objects at hand reach
  • At 4 to 7 months, Baby learns to:
    - Rollback on the belly on both sides
    - To pull himself to sit down
    - Keep sitting with the support of his hands forward
  • At 8 to 12 months she should be able to:
    - Sit down still unaided
    - Crawl
    - Use his hands when topples forward or sideways Crawl
    - Hold
    - Stand up or Move from one position to another.
    - Walk aided by holding on to objects or when moving objects.

Of course, depending on the child’s abilities, these learning stages may vary by a few months, but it is important to stimulate -and yet not over-stimulate the baby- with the help of games, educational hugs and massages to guide your child towards a proper development.

If your baby does not have any neurological disorder but you have doubts about her/ his progress, contact a specialist and he will do a complete assessment and give you all the appropriate advice to monitor and guide your baby’s progression.