Physical Therapy

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy (PT) is a type of care that helps your child move better, recover from illness or injury, and prevent disability. It may help with the effects of serious illness, surgery recovery, chronic conditions, or developmental delays.  

A pediatric physical therapist evaluates how your child moves and develops. Then, they provide therapy to help your child improve strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Therapy may include exercise, movement, and active play to address specific health issues.  

Physical therapists may consult with other care team members about classroom accommodations that may be part of a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan. 

Physical therapy may take place at the hospital (acute care physical therapy), clinic (outpatient physical therapy), or at home. 

Benefits of physical therapy

Physical therapy can help your child with: 

• Physical fitness and function 
• Movement and daily activities 
• Muscle, bone, and joint strength 
• Balance and coordination 
• Preventing falls  
• Recovery from treatments or surgery
• Treatment-related side effects, such as pain and neuropathy
• Physical symptoms like swelling (edema) and circulation problems 
• Problems with motor skills and development 
• Identifying developmental delays and reaching milestones 
• Assistive devices or mobility aids such as crutches, wheelchairs, sliding boards, canes, walkers, orthotics, and prosthetics 
• Sleep, fatigue, and energy 
• Anxiety, mood, and emotional well-being 
• Quality of life 
• Returning to physical activity and sports 

Finding a physical therapist

Physical therapists are licensed health providers with special training and education in physical therapy.  

State laws or insurance may require a health care provider’s referral for physical therapy. Your care team can explain what is needed.  

Your health care provider can help you find a physical therapist who works with children (pediatric physical therapist). In the U.S., you can also find a physical therapist through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Questions to ask your care team

• Why does my child need physical therapy? 
• How often will my child need to do physical therapy, and for how long? 
• What should my child bring or wear for physical therapy? 
• What are the goals of physical therapy for my child? 
• How long will it take to see progress? 
• What exercises or activities can my child do at home? 
• Are there any movements or activities my child should avoid? 
• Does my child need any equipment or assistive devices? 
• What signs should we watch for that mean we should stop an exercise or activity? 
• When should we call the care team?  

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