|
Pediatric physical therapy is the science
and art of caring for children with movement dysfunction and their families.
Pediatric physical therapists evaluate and treat children with movement
disorders from the newborn period through young adulthood.
The pediatric physical therapist works with children with a
variety of impairments that may impact their neuromuscular,
musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory, or integumentary systems.
The physical therapist assesses the child’s range of motion,
strength, muscle tone, functional mobility, and developmental age.
The physical therapist collaborates with the family to develop family
centered, culturally competent care for each child in his/her natural environment.
Interventions may include developmentally appropriate play, strengthening,
flexibility, adaptive positioning, environmental modification, and recommendations
for prosthetics, orthotics, or mobility devices such as wheelchairs or crutches.
Family and caregiver education is an essential part of the physical therapy assessment
and intervention. The physical therapist teaches optimal movement strategies to the children,
their families and caregivers to maximize the movement potential of all concerned.
Related Link(s):
|
