clinical services

Physical Therapy Services for the Pediatric Patient

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS:

Physical Therapists assist in early detection of health problems and use a wide variety of modalities to treat disorders in the pediatric population. They are specialized in the diagnosis, treatment and management of infants, children and adolescents with a variety of congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal, or acquired disorders/diseases.  Treatments focus on improving gross and fine motor skills, balance and coordination, strength and endurance, as well as cognitive and sensory processing/integration.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

The minimum education required for Physical Therapists is a masters level degree with most programs transitioning to requiring completion of a doctoral program. 

The curriculum consists of, but is not limited to, the following courses:

  • Gross Anatomy
  • Neuroanatmoy
  • Musculoskeltal Analysis and Treatment
  • Pharmacology
  • Development Across the Lifespan,
  • Modalities
  • Wound Care
  • Orthopedics
  • Orthotics and Prosthetics, and
  • Neurodevelopmental Therories and
  • Treatment Across the Lifespan. 

Physical therapists are required to complete a series of rotations that encompass all the specialties in their field. This provides a global understanding of medical/clinical conditions and other health related issues that limit function and ability in individuals of all ages.