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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MorePhysical therapy is a type of care that helps people move better, recover from illness and injury, and prevent disability.
A pediatric physical therapist does assessments and physical therapy with children.
Therapy uses exercise, movement, and active play to address specific health issues. The goals are to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.
Other treatments can help physical symptoms and improve healing. These include ice, heat, manual therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.
Physical therapy can be done at the hospital, clinic, and/or home.
Physical therapy can help with:
Physical therapists are licensed health providers with a graduate degree in physical therapy (PT or DPT).
State laws or insurance may require a doctor referral for physical therapy.
Your doctor can help you find a physical therapist who works with children (pediatric physical therapist). You can also find a physical therapist through the American Physical Therapy Association.
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Reviewed: August 2022
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, your care team will become like family. Doctors, nurses, and other health specialists provide treatment and care throughout diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
During cancer treatment and recovery, patients may need help with different aspects of functioning. Health professionals who specialize in rehabilitation help children improve skills and abilities.
Side effects are health problems that result from cancer treatments. Your care team will work with you to help manage your child’s side effects.