Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that was developed to meet the needs of younger patients dealing with a range of musculoskeletal problems. Although their bodies are still growing, toddlers, children and teenagers can still experience injury or have developmental problems that require the assistance of a physical therapist.
A pediatric physical therapy specialist has the skills necessary to properly treat these problems with gentle stretches and other techniques. If you’re a Caledonia, Michigan, resident wondering if a pediatric physical therapy specialist can help your child, the following can give you a better understanding of this discipline. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can help.
What conditions do pediatric physical therapy specialists commonly treat
Although the care needs can be different, the basic goals of pediatric physical therapy are often the same — particularly, improved stability and range of motion for the problem area. Many of the same injuries, procedures and conditions that adults require physical therapy for are also experienced by younger patients. These include:
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Headaches
- Posture and movement correction.
Additionally, pediatric physical therapy can also help with developmental conditions such as scoliosis and torticollis that can require corrective action for proper growth. Common treatments include gentle stretches, therapeutic massage and posture improvement techniques.
In addition to specialized training, it is important for pediatric physical therapists to have a communication style and treatment approach that is friendly to younger patients. Trust your instincts and seek treatment elsewhere if you don’t feel like your child is getting the attention and care he or she requires.
Advent physical therapy can help patients of all ages
At our Caledonia clinic and our other locations throughout west Michigan, our orthopedic specialists treat patients of all ages using an evidence-based approach with a focus on long-term results. This is especially true of our pediatric patients who are still growing and need unique care.
To learn more about how we can help and to make your initial appointment, contact our caring and dedicated team today.