The goal of physical therapy is to help your child achieve his or her highest level of motor function and mobility. For example, if your child has ataxia, motor coordination and the control of limb and trunk movements is impaired. The physical therapist works to help your child improve or compensate for impaired and/ or absent movements. Physical therapy is indicated throughout your child's life to evaluate changes due to growth and development.
A comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals, including a physical therapist will determine whether your child requires a further, more detailed examination by a physical therapist in our outpatient department. The therapist in the outpatient department will further evaluate your child and develop a plan of care based on the physical therapy diagnosis. A very important part of the plan of care is the individualized home program, which is developed specifically to meet your child's goals and needs. The frequency of your child's physical therapy services at Children's is based on your child's needs and the availability of local services. There may be times when the frequency of physical therapy should be altered, particularly if your child has had BOTOX injections or orthopedic surgery. The therapist can discuss with you the appropriate level of intervention based on your child's needs.
If your child requires any adaptive equipment to improve his or hers level of function the therapist can assist with facilitating an appointment in our seating clinic or functional mobility clinic. The physical therapist can also help to facilitate a referral for occupational therapy if it is indicated.
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