Your child’s doctor might recommend therapy if he
or she has suffered injuries or has a disability. There are certain types of
therapy that may be suited for your child’s needs like occupational therapy,
pediatric physical therapy, and speech therapy. Physical therapy
(PT) is one of the most recommended therapy for children with musculoskeletal
impairment. As a parent, here are some of the things you need to know to be
prepared for your child’s first PT appointment
1. The first appointment is the longest.
During the first
appointment, the physical therapists will need to find out as much as possible
about your child’s specific needs. This will include asking about your child’s
medical history, developmental milestones, and other relevant concerns.
2. Your child will undergo assessment and evaluation.
Once you’ve disclosed
all information concerning your child’s condition, the therapist will then
begin the evaluation. Your child will be instructed to do certain activities
while the therapist observes to assess his or her abilities.
3. A unique treatment plan will be developed for your
child.
The data gathered from
the assessment will then be used to create a treatment plan suited to the needs
of your child. You will also be asked to contribute to this aspect of your
child’s care so that you may be a part of your child’s progress.
Pediatric physical therapy requires a three-way
cooperation between the child, the therapists, and the parents. Make sure that
you do your part to ensure the success of the therapy.
