Physical Therapy Provides Mobility

Physical therapy is a profession of which utilizes treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, prevent disability and promote gross motor development. Physical therapists help children to become successful and independent in their abilities to perform gross motor functions such as walking running, jumping and hopping to enable them to play with their friends and improve their confidence.

With skilled physical therapy, functional mobility skills, such as safely walking on various surfaces (such as grass and sand) and climbing stairs, can be safely mastered.

Physical therapy is often indicated after injury and surgery to promote healing and improve or return a child to greater independence. Our physical therapists can teach patients, their family and caregivers how to prevent or manage their condition in order to achieve long-term health benefits.

The following skills are addressed, such as:

  • Crawling
  • Walking
  • Running
  • Hopping
  • Skipping
  • Jumping
  • Throwing
  • Strength
  • Endurance

Our Professional Credentials

Our physical therapists hold either a Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Our physical therapists must pass a national accreditation exam and attain a Florida state license. Continuing education is required for renewal of the Florida license every two years.

How We Determine Your Child Needs Physical Therapy

If she or he is:

  • Not meeting the expected developmental milestones during the first year of life (ie. rolling, sitting, standing, walking)
  • Has a strong preference for turning their head to one side or using one side of their body
  • Walking up on the balls of their feet or in an atypical/awkward manner
  • Having difficulty keeping up with their peers during play
  • Not able to perform the same gross motor tasks (ie. hopping, jumping, skipping) as their peers
  • Frequently trips and falls when walking
  • Complaining of pain when performing gross motor tasks
  • Was injured and not able to perform at the prior level of function