Physical therapy is ideal for people of any age to recover from an injury, a medical condition, a disability, or mobility issues. Many children find that a physical therapy regimen is not only very helpful, but fun! Physical therapists that work with children are trained to adapt to young ages and make physical therapy an enjoyable, yet productive, experience.
Physical therapists can assist children with coordination and balance, building strength and circulation, flexibility to help increase their range of motion, prevention and safety in case of falls, and motor skills. Children with disabilities are taught how to properly use and stay safe with any equipment they need to use, such as walking devices and wheelchairs, and are taught how to adapt to their disability through training exercises. Children with disabilities, long term illnesses, or long term recovery from an injury require physical therapy a few times a week for an extended period of time, and some children need it on a short-term basis, such as when recovering from an acute injury or surgery.
The therapist will incorporate many assistive and adaptive therapy “toys” and manipulatives into the sessions, and encourage adaptive play, motion activities, massage, aquatic therapy, and more. This type of therapy is idea for children, as they are continuing to grow, and as they grow they can easily adapt to any new circumstance if need be.
The therapy sessions may occur in hospitals, at clinics, in schools, or in the home. The flexibility of physical therapists makes it easier for children to receive the specific therapy the need, for the short or long term.