Physical Therapy Overview

The Department of Physical Therapy at Boston Children's Hospital provides evaluation and treatment for children who have experienced disabling diseases, congenital conditions, traumatic injury and a host of other problems that affect a child’s ability to complete daily tasks. We offer physical therapy services to improve movement, strength, coordination and balance on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Although we specialize in treating children, our team is dedicated to providing a lifetime of care to patients with complex physical therapy needs.

Whether your child is being treated for a temporary condition, such as a sports related injury, or a long-lasting condition impacting her ability to walk or play, our team of specialists, including multiple board-certified physical therapists, can create a plan that address your child's unique physical needs.

Learn more about Physical Therapy:
> Inpatient Services
> Outpatient Services

Clinics and Services:

Our therapists provide consultation and direct service in the following multidisciplinary clinics throughout the hospital:

• Brachial Plexus Program
• Cerebral Palsy Program
• Down Syndrome Clinic
• Chronic Pain Clinic
• Hemophelia Clinic
• Infant Follow Up Program
• Pulmonary Clinic
• Neuromuscular Clinic
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy Clinic
• Williams Syndrome Program

Our Specialties:

• Developmental conditions and birth related injuries
• Inherited and congenital limb conditions
• Pre- and post-operative care for patients with complex medical needs (such as organ transplants)
• Equipment solutions (such as positioning equipment, wheelchairs)
• Sports-related injuries
• Trauma
• Orthopedic – i.e. scoliosis, congenital hip dysplasia
• Neurologic – i.e. Chiara malformation, Moya Moya, Myelodysplasia, Brain tumor, seizure disorders, Tethered cord
• Pulmonary – i.e. Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary Hypertension, Pneumonia
• Oncologic – i.e. Leukemia, Osteosarcoma
• Cardiac

Treatment Plans:

Following initial evaluation, the physical therapist will create a treatment plan that may include:

• Activities to decrease pain and encouragement movement
• Exercises to improve flexibility, strength, balance, coordination and endurance
• Instructions for Home Exercise Programs
• Recommendations for adaptive equipment to promote independent movement
• Family/caregiver education

Clinics and Services

Our therapists provide consultation and direct service in the following multidisciplinary clinics throughout the hospital:

• Adaptive Equipment Clinic
• Schroth Method for Scoliosis
• Balance, Vestibular, Concussion