Pediatric physical therapy services are meant for treating congenital disorders, non congenital disorders and even developmental delays of children. Pediatric physical therapy is helpful in detecting the health problems of children in the earlier stages itself. Pediatric physical therapists are specialized in diagnosing, treating and managing infants and children having developmental, congenital, skeletal, and neuromuscular diseases. Physical therapy treatment focuses mainly on improving coordination and balance, motor skills, endurance and strength. It also aims at improving processing/integration at the cognitive and sensory levels. This includes developmental milestones such as standing, sitting, walking and crawling. Reputable healthcare centers ensure that they have the best, experienced and licensed physical therapists to provide pediatric physical therapy services.
The duration for physical therapy treatment varies in children. Children who are reluctant walkers or those having injuries may need only short term physical therapy treatment. In some cases, if the child has a developmental delay, the treatment may have to be given for a longer duration of time.
Torticollis, cerebral palsy and spina bifida which are diseases found in children, are effectively treated by physical therapy. Torticollis is a condition in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle of the neck is shortened. This condition will result in limited neck motion. There are effective exercises and techniques in physical therapy for treating this condition. Spina bifida, a neural tube defect affecting children, also has effective treatment in physical therapy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder seen in infants. This disorder can permanently affect muscle coordination and body movement. Physical therapy is one of the proven methods for treating this condition.
Some of the major services provided by pediatric physical therapy service centers are training in neuro development, early intervention, sensory integration, myofascial release, fabrication of splints and casts, functional mobility, treatment for urinary incontinence, management of pain, aquatic physical therapy, electrical stimulation, and hippo therapy.
