We understand that often parents and caregivers don’t know much about physical therapy or where to turn for important information and resources on specific conditions. Often, the first sign that a child may need physical therapy is when he or she doesn’t achieve certain developmental milestones.
We’ve provided information here that we hope will be helpful. Click each dropdown for more details.
Who Are Physical Therapists and What Do They Do?
Physical therapists are graduates of an accredited program in physical therapy who have passed state boards to license them to perform physical therapy. We practice in many settings including hospitals, private clinics, schools, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and athletic and fitness facilities.
A physical therapist will examine and evaluate a patient to determine a physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and the intervention needed. We are able to alleviate impairments and functional limitations through therapeutic treatments such as exercise, manual therapy, assistive and adaptive devices, wound care with debridement, functional training, neuro-muscular re-education, splinting, and patient education. Physical therapists prevent injury, impairments, and functional limitations by promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles. We engage in research, education, and consultation.
Common disorders that pediatric physical therapists treat are: Muscular Dystrophy and Neuro-muscular Diseases, Developmental Delays, Patients with Cancer, Pain, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, and Orthopedic Conditions. Pediatric Physical Therapists are able to determine a child’s level of physical developmental with standardized testing. A developmental delay exists if there is a discrepancy between the developmental age the child scores and their chronological age.
Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are key abilities that children typically reach at certain stages of their lives. Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups and are crucial for activities such as crawling, walking, running, and other physical movements. These milestones provide a general guideline for tracking a child’s physical development. Click “Learn More” below to see a list of typical gross motor developmental milestones.
Pediatric Diseases and Disorders
Spina Bifida Association
http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/
United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucp.org/
Resources
Alabama’s Early Intervention
https://www.rehab.alabama.gov/services/ei
Children’s Rehab Services
https://www.rehab.alabama.gov/services/crs
Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind
http://www.aidb.org/
United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucp.org/
Goodwill Easter Seals
http://www.goodwill-easterseals.org/
ALL KIDS
http://www.adph.org/allkids/
Alabama Head Injury Foundation
http://www.ahif.org/
Alabama Department of Rehab Services
https://www.rehab.alabama.gov/
American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.apta.org/
Alabama State Board of Physical Therapy
http://www.pt.alabama.gov/