Physical therapists work with children and their families to help each child achieve and
maintain mobility and quality of life by maximizing his or her potential to function
independently.
As primary care providers, physical therapists work with each family to promote active
participation at home, school, and in the community. This includes implementing a wide
variety of supports from infancy through adolescence in collaboration with families and
other medical, educational, developmental, and rehabilitation specialists.
The following services are often part of the plan of care provided by physical therapists
who work with children:
- Developmental activities
- Movement and mobility
- Strengthening
- Motor learning
- Balance and coordination
- Recreation, play, and leisure
- Adaptation of daily care activities and routines
- Equipment design, fabrication, and fitting
- Tone management
- Use of assistive technology
- Posture, positioning, and lifting
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Burn and wound care
- Cardiopulmonary endurance
- Safety, health promotion, and prevention programs
Receiving Pediatric Physical Therapy
Your child’s physical therapist will first work with the family to identify the child’s needs
and the family’s concerns. The physical therapist will also conduct an examination and
evaluation of the child in the context of his or her daily routines and activities. This
evaluation may include, but not be limited to, mobility, sensory and neuromotor
development, use of assistive technology, muscle and joint function, strength and
endurance, cardiopulmonary status, posture and balance, and oral motor skills. After
gathering all necessary information, the pediatric physical therapist will use their clinical
expertise and evidence in collaboration with the child’s family, caregivers, and other
involved healthcare providers to design an appropriate plan of care.
Pediatric physical therapists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, private
practices, and schools. The process of providing pediatric physical therapy can include
collaboration, consultation, and interventions in natural learning environments, including
the home, child care centers, preschools, schools, job sites, recreational centers, and
other community settings. Pediatric physical therapists must hold a state license, and
many have additional credentials including board certification as a Pediatric Clinical
Specialist (PCS).
What Role Does the Family Play?
The family plays the primary role in the child’s development. The pediatric physical
therapist works with the family to promote development and implement an individualized
intervention program for the child. The family often is involved in assisting and enhancing
the development of the child by:
- Positioning during daily routines and activities
- Adapting toys for play
- Expanding mobility options
- Using equipment effectively
- Implementing safety in the home and community
- Being a resource for the child’s physical and health care needs
- Helping to ensure smooth transitions from early childhood to school and
into adult life
What You Need to Know About Access to Physical Therapy Services
Private and public health insurance programs cover payment for physical therapy, but the
services and reimbursement vary. Families should be familiar with the benefits provided
by their policy or program.
Additionally, the provision of pediatric physical therapy is required by:
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which includes
provisions for pediatric physical therapy for children from birth to 21 years of age who
are eligible for early intervention (Part C) or special education and related services.
(Part B) - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires the provision of reasonable
accommodations, including physical therapy, for persons with disabilities. - The Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects the rights of all individuals
with disabilities.