Our pediatric physical therapists evaluate children for gross motor skill acquisition, movement disorders, balance, coordination, strength, postural control, endurance and function, assessing their skills in our developmentally appropriate facility, in homes and in schools. Working in conjunction with the child's healthcare team, we assess orthopedic concerns, develop treatment plans to improve functional outcomes and make appropriate referrals to specialists when indicated. Implementing functionally appropriate strengthening techniques enables us to focus on improving overall strength in postural control, upper extremity/lower extremity strength and endurance for greater independence in activities of daily living. As each child grows and develops, consultations often occur between the occupational and physical therapists on our team in order to ensure that each child we see can leap to the greatest possible new levels.

Children, even if exceptionally bright, sometimes have difficulties in core strength, motor abiltiies, endurance and balance. These difficulties are not necessarily a reflection on their cognitive strengths. If they are struggling to achieve motor milestones, or have problems with seemingly “basic” activities like sitting correctly on a school chair for the time required, they may not be able to work to their full potential. When the glitches appear in their daily living activities, including school, you may want to have an evaluation by a physical therapist.

Recognizing the need for short term interventions for infants with Positional Plagiocephaly (a persistent flat spot on the back or side of the head) and Torticollis (shortening of the neck muscle), Pediatric Potentials has expanded our program to ensure that these children can be seen for short term treatment. Treatment consists of positioning and strengthening/stretching exercises, parent/caregiver education and the establishment of individualized home exercise programs. The length of treatment needed varies on the individual progress of your child. Monitoring and follow up is needed to ensure your baby’s successful progression.

Through our Fitness Fundamentals program, our PTs work with students to address the “couch potato” culture, as well as to prepare students in the skills necessary to achieve recognition in the Presidents Challenge. We keep kids motivated by incorporating Wii and Wii Fit and fun interactive video games and tools like Dance Dance Revolution, GameBike, Yoga and Balance Boards. Our program enables students to develop and maintain cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition for healthy living and to have their achievements recognized, can help make schools aware of required statutory accommodations that may be needed for students with special needs, and motivates children for lifelong healthy physical activity.

Our physical therapists are trained to provide the following services:

• Comprehensive evaluations of children age 0 - adolescence.
• Individually tailored treatment to address difficulties in neuromuscular control, sensory processing, gross motor, fine motor, perceptual and adaptive skills.
• Home programming.
• Referrals to related services as needed.
• Consultations with related therapists, teachers, and allied health professionals.
• Site visits to home, school and community programs.
• Fitness Fundamentals.
• Bike training. You can see pictures of our recent BikeFest here.
• Swim lessons.
• In School Consultations.
• Collaboration in IEP and 504 school plans.
• Short term interventions for patients with Plagiocephaly and Torticollis.
• Presenting workshops.