Pediatric physical therapists provide support and services for children (birth to 21 years) with developmental disabilities, and their families, aimed at developing, restoring and improving mobility to improve quality of life. These services are provided in homes, schools, and community settings, as well as in hospitals and clinics.
Pediatric physical therapy benefits children and their families/caregivers by promoting activity and participation in everyday routines, increasing functional independence, enhancing learning opportunities, improving strength and endurance, facilitating motor development and mobility, and easing the challenges of daily caregiving.
In addition to direct intervention and consultation, pediatric physical therapists promote health and fitness for children with all levels of ability and provide information to and collaborate with families and other medical, developmental, and educational specialists.
Symptoms & Conditions
Physical therapists treat and manage numerous conditions affecting youths, including:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Container Baby Syndrome
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Female Athlete Triad
Infantile Brachial Plexus
Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome)
Spinal Muscular Atrophy