Pediatricians are often prompted to recommend physical therapy for young
children with certain genetic disabilities or conditions like cerebral
palsy to help address their difficulty with movement or performing everyday
routine activities.
Physical therapy is a treatment generally given to patients with any
medical condition that impedes movement. An injured person, for example, commonly
undergoes therapy to facilitate recovery. The treatment may also help improve
overall fitness and physical health.
Pediatric physical therapy, in particular, is geared toward enabling children
to perform daily activities with the least amount of difficulty as possible. Different
therapeutic exercises are used to help them strengthen and regain their bodily
functions. In very young children, physical therapy enables one to achieve
developmental skills, such as crawling and walking, as well as to improve coordination
and balance.
Physical therapists engage patients in various balance and coordination
activities, training and flexibility exercises, and even safety and prevention
programs to help avoid future injuries.
Before treatment, pediatric physical therapists
have to know patients’ medical history, including all medical conditions to
help ensure the most appropriate therapeutic activities for them. Other related
services, such as home nursing and speech and occupational therapy, may also be
offered at home for the family’s convenience.
