Is your child complaining of pain? It can be difficult to know what your child’s symptoms mean and when to seek professional help. Fortunately, the assistance you require is available at Care360 Physical Therapy. Early childhood issues are common and can seriously impede further development, socialization, or physical function. When this occurs, pediatric physical therapy can be beneficial.
If you’re worried that your child has a problem that’s interfering with their life, you’ll be relieved to know that our licensed physical therapists at Care360 Physical Therapy are highly trained in assisting children in overcoming physical and behavioral barriers.
Request an appointment with our Miami, FL pediatric physical therapy office today to learn how our services can benefit your child.
Signs your child may need pediatric therapy
“How can I tell if my child needs this?” you may be wondering. It’s a common and understandable question we get from worried parents. If your child has never had a formal diagnosis of a major health problem from a pediatrician or displayed any obvious symptoms of a problem, it can be difficult to determine if they would be a good candidate for our services.
However, a child may show signs of a problem that are not immediately obvious. Keep an eye out for subtle clues like:
- “W sitting.” Is your child sitting with their lower legs tucked outward, forming a “W” shape on the ground? This “W sitting” appears to be harmless, and it will not cause your child any discomfort. It is, however, a sign that your child’s core muscles are not as strong as they should be. Poor core muscle strength has the same effects on children as it does on adults, as it can impair balance and coordination while also increasing the risk of injury.
- Stooping or slouching. If your child slouches or stoops, the muscles supporting the trunk and/or neck may be weak. Chronic postural issues can exacerbate muscle strain and even lead to spinal misalignment.
- Abnormalities in walking or stair climbing. If your child is having difficulty walking or climbing stairs, it could be a sign that physical therapy is right for them. Children who walk on their toes all the time, for example, may have balance or muscle issues. Children who are unable to go up or down stairs one foot at a time by the age of four may have coordination or developmental issues that must be addressed.
What conditions are treated in pediatric physical therapy?
Care360 Physical Therapy aims to provide the best care possible for each child. We work with children with developmental delays who struggle to meet milestones, making it difficult for them to interact, learn, explore, and play.
From an early age, children can experience a wide range of physical and behavioral issues, ranging from autism or speech disorders to physical challenges such as nerve or muscle problems.
Pediatric physical therapy can treat a surprising number of these conditions, many of which may require a pediatric physician’s diagnosis before consulting with our physical therapists. Some of these conditions are, but are not limited to:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Developmental Delays
- Autism
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Down Syndrome
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Club Foot
- Milestone Delays
- Tongue Ties
- Lip Ties
Through therapy, home programs, and communication with your pediatrician and other specialists, we are here to help you and your child reach their full potential.
What should I expect at Care360 Physical Therapy?
Our treatment methods at Care360 Physical Therapy are conservative and non-invasive, with the goal of relieving pain, promoting healing, and improving function as needed. Our highly trained pediatric physical therapists use specialized methods in their treatment plans to ensure that your child receives the best possible care for their condition.
When you and your child arrive at our office, you will be greeted by the dedicated pediatric physical therapist who will create an individualized treatment plan for your child. This will be done after a thorough examination to determine the best course of treatment for your child’s specific needs.
It is critical to understand that pediatric treatments differ from adult treatments. Children’s biomechanics differ from those of adults because they are still growing, both physically and mentally.
Each pediatric injury treatment plan is unique, taking the child’s age, level of physical activity, and ongoing physical and mental development into account.
Physical therapy’s overarching goal is healing and prevention. In addition to treating your child’s condition, our physical therapists will provide strengthening exercises to prevent injuries in any affected areas from occurring or reoccurring.
Contact us today to get started!
Do you need a pediatric physical therapist? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Care360 Physical Therapy in Miami, FL today to schedule a consultation and begin assisting your child in living a pain-free and functional life!
