Doctors often recommend physical therapy (PT) for kids and teens who have been injured or who have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability.
Physical therapy might be needed any time a problem with movement limits someone’s daily activities. So doctors often recommend PT for kids with:
- sports injuries
- developmental delays
- cerebral palsy
- genetic disorders
- orthopedic disabilities/injuries
- heart and lung conditions
- birth defects (such as spina bifida)
- effects of in-utero drug or alcohol exposure
- acute trauma
- head injury
- limb deficiencies
- muscle diseases
What Physical Therapists Do
Physical therapists use a variety of treatments to help build strength, improve movement, and strengthen skills needed to complete daily activities.
Physical therapists might guide kids through:
- developmental activities, such as crawling and walking
- balance and coordination activities
- adaptive play
- aquatic (water) therapy
- improving circulation around injuries by using heat, cold, exercise, electrical stimulation, massage, and ultrasound
- training to build strength around an injury
- flexibility exercises to increase range of motion
- instruction on how to avoid injuries
- safety and prevention programs
During a visit, a physical therapist may:
- measure a child’s flexibility and strength
- analyze how a child walks and runs (the child’s gait)
- identify existing and potential problems
- consult with other medical, psychiatric, and school personnel about an individual education plan (IEP)
- provide instructions for home exercise programs
- recommend when returning to sports is safe
Physical Therapy (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth
