Nemours’ Physical Therapy department provides evaluation and treatment for children who were born with a disability or who acquired one through injury or disease. Our staff, which consists of physical therapists who hold either a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in the field and are state licensed, will work with your child to maximize his or her gross motor function (those associated with the large muscle groups and often affect mobility), independence, and fitness.
We see children with a variety of conditions, including those that are present at birth (such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or Down syndrome); those acquired through illness (such as muscular dystrophy or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis); those acquired through accident or injury (such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, or loss of a body part); and even those due to prematurity or developmental delay. We also work with children and teens who are recovering from sports injuries or those who require vestibular and balance testing.
Our goal is to limit the effects of any physical challenges and help your child reach his or her full potential. After a thorough evaluation in which we will observe the way your child moves, walks, and plays (and take into account any pain your child has doing so), we will design a treatment plan tailored to your child’s age, cognitive abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. We will also consult with the rest of your child’s care team, including occupational therapists, orthopedists, neurologists, and even school personnel to ensure we are creating a plan that meets his or her functional needs in every setting.
Physical therapy may be provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis, and may include the following:
- gait training
- postural training
- activities for building endurance
- muscle strengthening
- increasing range of motion and flexibility
- enhancing coordination and balance
- learning to use a prosthetic
- increasing overall fitness
- aquatic therapy
If necessary, we may also recommend certain types of adaptive equipment or customized devices that will help increase your child’s independence at home and school.
Our staff works closely with family members to provide the best possible plan of care. Family education is critical, because children whose parents are able to perform a home exercise plan and carry over the techniques their child has learned in therapy are likely to have better outcomes. Our goal is always to restore as much function and independence as possible to your child.