Pediatric Physical Therapy
For kids with gross motor skill challenges, difficulty balancing, or other developmental concerns, our specialized pediatric physical therapists are ready to help.
Helping children reach their full potential
Play can be a powerful learning tool for kids, especially if they’re living with a genetic or neurologic condition that impacts their physical function. That’s why we include intentional play in each child’s physical therapy (PT) session at Reid Health.
Whether your child has difficulty with gross motor skills, balance and coordination, functional mobility, difficulty walking, or other challenges preventing them from fully participating in life, we’re here to partner with you every step of the way. We ensure your child gets the personalized care and encouragement they need to succeed.
Physical therapy for children
Our pediatric PT providers help evaluate and treat developmental, neurological, and genetic conditions that impact your child's ability to move, play, and interact with the world around them. Using play-based treatment plans, we give your child the skills and confidence needed to take on new challenges.
Conditions we treat with PT
Our pediatric PT team is skilled in treating a wide range of conditions, such as:
- Developmental/gross motor delays
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Down syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)
- Orthopedic injuries
- Torticollis/plagiocephaly
- Brachial plexus injury
- Club foot
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
- Scoliosis
- Prematurity
- Hypotonia
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
- Gait abnormalities (toe walking, in-toeing/out-toeing)
No matter your child’s unique challenges, we’ll create a therapy plan tailored to their needs and functional goals.
Speak with your family’s pediatrician or primary care provider for a referral. Whether you’re in East Central Indiana or West Central Ohio, we’re here to help your child thrive.
Pediatric therapies offered
Every child develops at their own pace, but for those who need extra support to achieve functional independence, we offer the following pediatric PT services.
Balance and coordination skills
We teach your child's brain and muscles to communicate better, improving balance and coordination to help them feel stable and secure as they go through their day.
Aquatic therapy
Physical therapy in an aquatic environment is used to help increase flexibility and range of motion of muscles and joints. The resistance provided by the water increases muscle strength, and the buoyancy of the water supports body weight making functional mobility easier compared to being on land. The warmth of the water also creates a calming and relaxing environment for kids who have high resting muscle tone and/or spasticity.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) works by using safe, low-current electrical pulses to activate paralyzed or deconditioned muscles for functional movement. Our therapists use the Xcite system, which assists with proper motor sequencing during completion of functional tasks.
Functional transfer training
We teach kids to move confidently in their environments, including sit-to-stand transitions, floor transitions, getting in and out of cars, and safely using equipment like wheelchairs or walkers. Physical therapists provide safe techniques to help your child and family perform transfers without the risk of injury or falls.
Bracing and adaptive equipment
We collaborate with orthotists to ensure your child's support braces fit perfectly to help them meet appropriate developmental milestones. Our physical therapists can also help with equipment recommendations so your child can be successful in their environment.
Gross motor skills
We can help kids get stronger, improve their balance, and move better by working on gross motor skills like sitting, crawling, jumping, and climbing. Ensuring your child reaches important milestones as they grow.
Gait training
With special tools like walkers, harnesses, and treadmills, our pediatric physical therapists help your child gain the strength and balance to walk with confidence.
Why choose Reid Health for your child’s PT?
You want what’s best for your child, and so do we! Here are a few reasons why so many families in East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio turn to our PT experts to help their child achieve their most functional independence:
- Family-centered approach: You and your entire family are an essential part of your child’s care team, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
- Play-based therapy: Our sessions are fun and interactive, fostering learning through movement and play.
- Expertise you can trust: Our pediatric therapists are trained in the latest techniques to promote strength, coordination, and confidence in your child.
- State-of-the-art equipment: We use advanced tools like TheraSuit and Universal Exercise Unit aquatic therapy, and FES to meet your child’s needs.
Frequently asked questions about PT
Feel prepared for your child’s physical therapy appointment at Reid Health. Here are some common questions and answers to know before you arrive.
Help your child move better
Help your child grow in strength and confidence. Request a referral to physical therapy from your child’s provider, and together we’ll help your child reach their fullest potential.