Cutting Edge Physical Therapy That is Helping Kids with Movement Deficiencies

When a child’s condition interferes with his or her ability to meaningfully participate in everyday activities, physical therapy is recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Cutting-edge techniques make therapy more effective (and fun!) than ever before.

Conditions Treated With Physical Therapy

Physical therapy aims to support children with mobility issues due to disease, illness, injury or disability. Some conditions treated with PT include:

• Developmental delays
• Autism-related movement issues
• Motor coordination difficulties
• Muscle weakness
• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Sensory disorder

Cutting Edge PT

Using a combination of innovative methods, physical therapists can create individualized plans to treat pint-sized patients.

Aquatic Therapy

Water-based physical therapy gives children the opportunity to manipulate their bodies in ways that are not possible through conventional methods. The buoyancy of the water relieves pain and stress on the joints allowing for freer movements.

Virtual Reality

Gaming technologies are a kid-friendly tool for improving mobility. With VR headsets, children can engage in a variety of activities, such as sports games, that challenge them to perform movements specifically chosen based on their needs.

Robotics

Robotic devices assist therapists by positioning children’s legs to rectify an impaired gait and make walking easier.

Benefits for Your Child

Treatment plans that include physical therapy for kids target several interconnected areas that contribute to a child’s movement capabilities.

Strength

Activities such as jumping, squatting and resistance training build up strength in core muscles and extremities to improve stability.

Balance

Learning to distribute weight evenly and execute positional changes seamlessly enables children to remain steady, prevent falls and improve gait.

Alignment

Maintaining proper posture supports healthy development and reduces unnecessary pain and fatigue.

Range of Motion

Stretching improves children’s flexibility, allowing their muscles and joints to comfortably bend and fully extend.

Tone

Muscle tone affects the quality of a child’s movements. High muscle tone creates too much tension and low muscle tone increases the risk of falling. Achieving optimal muscle tone enables children to exercise greater control over their movements.

Reflexes

Strong reflexes are a sign that your child’s central nervous system is functioning properly. Reflexes are a protective measure to instinctively sense and react to danger.

In addition to physical benefits, PT can increase independence, boost confidence and improve quality of life.

Possible Stressors for Parents of Children With Mobility Issues

Caring for a child with movement deficiencies comes with a unique set of challenges such as:

• Safety concerns
• A sense of loss regarding physical limitations
• Relationships with peers
• Burnout
• Medical expenses

Though parents are accustomed to caring for their kids, they are less likely to attend to their own needs. Yet, emotional stressors can result in physical symptoms, most notably back pain.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your back, tell yourself, “Find lower back pain treatment near me.” Locating nearby services allows you to get the care you need with minimal time away from your child.

Obtaining appropriate services for your child can greatly improve his or her mobility. When you seek physical therapy in Wake Forest, North Carolina, look for a provider who is trained in the most cutting-edge techniques and takes a compassionate, child-centered approach to therapy. With the appropriate exercises, kids can overcome movement deficiencies and enjoy life to the fullest.