What Is Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Pediatric Physical Therapy focuses on helping children of all ages—from newborns to young adults—reach their full potential for functional independence. Our therapists are specialists in child development, understanding that a child’s “job” is to play, learn, and grow. The primary goal of a Pediatric Physical Therapist (PT) is to help children move their bodies effectively by:
- Promoting Developmental Milestones: Helping infants and toddlers reach key stages like rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking.
- Improving Strength & Stability: Building the core and limb strength necessary to support the body during daily activities.
- Enhancing Playground & Peer Participation: Focusing on the high-level coordination needed to run, jump, and play alongside friends.
- Family Education: Empowering parents with strategies to support their child’s physical growth at home and in the community.
Physical therapy for kids is most effective when it is fun! At Therapy Tree, our therapists use a play-based approach, turning “exercises” into games that engage a child’s natural curiosity. Whether a child is navigating a neurological condition or simply needs a little extra help catching up with their peers, we provide a supportive environment where every small victory is celebrated.
We use a family-centered, goal-oriented plan of care. We recognize that you know your child best, so we work closely with parents to create a treatment plan that fits into your family’s busy life and leads to the best possible outcomes.
Physical therapy focuses on the “gross motor” skills—the large muscle movements—that allow a child to explore their world. This includes (but is not limited to) development in the areas of:
Gross Motor Milestones
- Rolling and Tummy Time
- Crawling and Pulling to Stand
- Independent Walking
Balance & Coordination
- One-legged standing (hopping/skipping)
- Navigating uneven surfaces (grass/sand)
- Stair climbing safety
Ball Skills & Eye-Foot Coordination
- Kicking, catching, and throwing
- Participation in PE and youth sports
Postural Control
- Core strength for upright sitting at school
- Correcting “W-sitting” or toe-walking
Neuromuscular Re-education
- Improving muscle tone and movement patterns
Orthotics & Assistive Technology
- Evaluating the need for braces (AFOs), walkers, or specialized seating
Common Conditions Leading to Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Torticollis (Head tilt) & Plagiocephaly
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome & Genetic Disorders
- Gross Motor Delay
- Toe Walking (Idiopathic Toe Walking)
- Hypotonia (Low muscle tone)
- Spina Bifida
- Sports Injuries & Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Concussion Recovery
Experienced Therapists with Training in:
Early Intervention & Play-Based Movement: Our therapists are experts in infant and toddler development. We focus on “purposeful play,” using toys, bubbles, and obstacle courses to elicit the specific movements a child needs to master their next developmental milestone.
Mobility & Independence
Every child deserves the chance to explore their environment. Our clinics are equipped with specialized pediatric tools—from rock walls and bolster swings to gait trainers—designed to make “work” feel like a trip to the park. We don’t just focus on the physical movement; we focus on the confidence your child gains when they realize they can keep up with their friends and explore the world on their own terms.