Does My Child Need Physical Therapy?
Our pediatric physical therapists evaluate and treat children from birth to 21 years. They work with children and their families to improve functional mobility and help kids safely and independently participate in daily routines at home, school, and in the community.
Pediatric physical therapy supports children by:
- Promoting independence in everyday routines
- Increasing participation in play and leisure
- Developing motor skills, balance, and overall function
- Improving strength and endurance for daily activities or sports
- Supporting progress toward developmental milestones and mobility
- Reducing the physical demands of daily caregiving
- Encouraging overall health and fitness
Children’s Physical Therapy Services
At Connections, we offer treatment for the following:
Physical Therapy Intensives
Our intensive programs offer frequent therapy sessions over a short period of time, using innovative tools like the Therasuit, Spider Cage (Multifunctional Therapy Unit), and DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention). These sessions focus on building strength, improving balance, and developing proper movement patterns. Children who participate often see improvements in independence, motor skills, and confidence in daily activities.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
At Connections, we have a physical therapist who specializes in evaluating and treating pelvic floor dysfunction in children. This dysfunction can result from weak or tight pelvic floor muscles, muscle incoordination, poor toileting habits, and more. Physical therapy is an effective and non-invasive approach for children with a pelvic floor dysfunction and will help them regain better control of their bodies.
Meet our Pelvic Floor Therapist
Meet our Pelvic Floor Therapist: Nancy Hernandez, PT, DPT
Nancy Hernandez, PT, DPT grew up in Idaho Falls and completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at Idaho State University. Nancy is compassionate and understanding with children facing pelvic floor challenges. She builds strong, trusting relationships with her patients, helping them reach their goals and gain confidence.
Nancy can provide a thorough evaluation and will develop an individualized treatment program specific to your problems and functional goals. Depending on diagnosis, these treatments can include:
- strengthening or stretching for pelvic floor or surrounding muscle groups (abdomen, lower back, hips, etc.)
- biofeedback to help strengthen or relax the pelvic floor
- electrical stimulation for strengthening or relaxation
- relaxation techniques/deep breathing exercises
- manual therapy
- modalities (hot/cold therapy)
- patient education
- coordination exercises
Premature and High Risk Infants
Birth to age three infant and toddler motor development.
Developmental Disabilities
Including Autism, Developmental Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Epilepsy.
Neuromuscular and Orthopedic Disorders
Including Amputation - orthotics and prosthetics management, Cerebral Palsy, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spinal Muscle Atrophy, Muscular Dystrophy and Scoliosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, Joint Deformities.
Torticollis/Plagiocephaly
Help for babies with torticollis (tight neck muscles) and plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head) through gentle, hands-on therapy and simple exercises.
Injuries
Sports and other injuries, including hip, leg, knee, ankle and foot injuries.