What Can I Expect at the First Appointment and Follow Up Pediatric Therapy Sessions?
Physical therapy for children, or pediatric physical therapy, is designed to assist kids in improving their motor skills, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. This can be especially important for children with developmental delays, physical injuries, or health conditions that affect their mobility.
First Appointment:
- Intake and Evaluation: The first session will typically involve a thorough evaluation. The therapist will review your child’s medical history and any relevant paperwork, such as medical reports or assessments from other professionals.
- Discussion with Parents/Caregivers: The therapist will want to understand your concerns and goals for your child’s physical development. This is an opportunity to discuss any difficulties your child has been experiencing in relation to their movement or physical activities.
- Physical Assessment: The therapist will observe and assess your child’s mobility and motor skills. This could involve looking at their walking, running, climbing stairs, balance, coordination, and other physical activities.
- Creating a Plan: Based on this assessment, the physical therapist will formulate a treatment plan that addresses your child’s needs and aligns with the goals you and the therapist have discussed. This plan may be adjusted and updated as therapy progresses and your child’s needs and abilities change.
Pediatric physical therapy sessions will vary depending on the child’s age, developmental level, and specific needs. Therapists use a variety of exercises and activities to improve your child’s motor skills, flexibility, balance, and strength. This could include age-appropriate games, activities, or toys. The aim is to make therapy fun and engaging for your child.
Part of the therapist’s role is to educate you and your child about the therapy process and how to safely and effectively perform certain exercises or tasks at home. They may also suggest modifications to your child’s environment to support their physical development better.
The therapist will regularly assess your child’s progress toward the therapy goals. Depending on how your child responds to therapy, they will adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Remember, every child is unique, and their treatment plan will be individualized to fit their specific needs best. Be sure to communicate regularly with the therapist about any questions or concerns you have.
