As a parent, it’s natural to be very concerned about your child’s physical development. If your child seems to be lagging behind other children in terms of physical activity and capabilities, there may be an underlying reason. Children sometimes require physical therapy services if they have developmental problems. A pediatric physical therapist can improve your child’s flexibility, movement patterns, and strength. Here’s what to know about pediatric physical therapy and how to find a top therapist in Seattle WA.
What Is Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized rehabilitation service that helps improve physical function in babies and children. Your child may need physical therapy Seattle services if they have:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Downs syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Developmental delay
Children may also require the help of a physical therapist if they develop injuries. Common childhood injuries can happen while playing sports, frolicking on a playground, or riding in recreational vehicles. Any injury or condition that causes your child to struggle with normal development or movement warrants a physical therapy consultation. When searching online for “physical therapy near me,” make sure you filter your results by pediatric therapists. A pediatric physical therapist knows how to diagnose and treat some of the most common developmental issues impacting babies and children. Therapists who work primarily with adults may not have the specific expertise required to best help a child.
How to Find the Right PT for Your Child
You can physical therapy for your child in a variety of settings. Many parents choose to have their children get these services while in preschool or grade school. Others may prefer to have a physical therapist perform these services in their home or at a daycare center. Or, if you don’t mind driving your child to a clinic, you can search for “physical therapy clinics near me” and select one that’s located within a reasonable distance from your home.
Look for a therapist who is kind and knows how to help children feel at ease. If possible, search for a pediatric physical therapist who has been in practice for at least a few years. The more experience the therapist has, the more likely they are to be able to accurately diagnose your child’s problems and help to correct them.
One final thing to consider when searching for the right PT for your child is what other parents have to say about them. You can search for any pediatric PT’s name online and hopefully find genuine reviews from other parents. Keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to find any type of professional who has 100% positive reviews. That’s because disgruntled patients are much more likely to leave reviews than satisfied patients. As long as the positive reviews significantly outweigh the negative reviews, you can have some degree of confidence that the PT in question is a good one.
Whether your child needs help recovering from a serious injury or just needs professional guidance to help them meet physical development milestones, a pediatric physical therapist can help. Use the tips above to find the right PT for your child’s needs.