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10 Signs Your Child May Need Physical Therapy
- By Katie Avila
- March 15, 2021
- 10:00 am
There is a common misconception that pediatric physical therapists only treat kids with sports injuries! Pediatric physical therapists are specialized in working with children of all ages, from newborns to young adults, and can address many different diagnoses and symptoms. Here are 10 signs your child may need physical therapy and how they can benefit from it:
What are signs that my child may benefit from physical therapy?
- They are behind on developmental skills (crawling, rolling, walking, jumping)
- Head shape appears flattened or asymmetrical
- Preference of one side (turning their head only to the left, rolling only to their right, difficulties feeding on one side, only using one hand to play with toys)
- Walks on tip-toes, trips over their feet, or walks in an atypical/awkward manner
- Appears clumsy, frequently falls or walks into objects, or not aware of their surroundings
- Coordination difficulties (throwing, catching, kicking, hopping, skipping, jumping jacks)
- Avoids running, playgrounds, climbing, swings, or can’t keep up with their peers
- Appears to have muscle weakness or is “double-jointed”
- Tends to “slouch” over instead of sitting or standing straight
- Recent injury / surgery or frequently complains of pain
What are common pediatric conditions that benefit from physical therapy?
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD
- Torticollis and Plagiocephaly, and Brachycephaly
- Neurological conditions (Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy), Cerebral Palsy, Spina bifida, or Concussions)
- Genetic syndromes (Muscular Dystrophy, Down syndrome)
- Orthopedic conditions (Scoliosis, leg pain, sports injuries, foot deformities, arthritis)
- Walking difficulties (walking on tip-toes, frequent falling, other abnormal walking patterns)
- Heart and lung conditions (Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis)
- Vision or hearing impairments
- Childhood obesity
What if my child does not have a medical diagnosis?
Your child does not need a diagnosis to receive physical therapy services. Each child is evaluated on an individual basis and treated for their specific needs.
Call us today for a free consultation!
If you’re reading this article, you likely already have some concerns about your child. Children typically make the greatest improvements the earlier they begin therapy, so we don’t recommend a “wait and see” approach.
Infinity Kids offers free consultations, either in-person or over video. One of our experienced physical therapists will ask about your concerns, observe your child as they play and move, and may recommend additional therapy services if needed.
We hope to meet you soon!
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Katie Avila
I am a creative physical therapist who loves supporting families and their children with gross motor development and participation in daily activities. I enjoy building upon a child’s strengths, working on family-centered goals, and having as much fun as possible during therapy sessions. I have a strong interest in adaptive equipment and helping children participate in community-based sports and activities. When I’m not working at Infinity Kids, I love spending time with my family and friends, rock climbing, painting, and hiking with my dog.
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