What is Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy is designed to help babies, children, and adolescents improve their motor skills, mobility, physical abilities, and independence in their everyday lives. It is beneficial for infants and children with developmental, neurological, orthopedic, or other functional limitations.
At Connections Therapy Centers, we offer pediatric physical therapy in East Idaho for children from birth through the age of 21. Our pediatric physical therapists work with kids and their families to improve functional mobility and help kids safely and independently participate in daily routines at home, school, and in their communities.
Does My Child Need Physical Therapy?
Common signs that your child might benefit from physical therapy include frequent falling, difficulty walking, and issues with motor skills and functional abilities.
- My child keeps falling. Would physical therapy help? If you find that your child falls regularly, it may indicate that kids’ physical therapy could be beneficial.
- My child is behind on motor skills. Do they need physical therapy? Missing motor milestones is a key sign that pediatric physical therapy might be the right choice for your child.
- My child is struggling to walk. Should I consider physical therapy? Children’s physical therapists can help your child with balance and coordination so that they can improve their walking abilities.
- My baby isn’t sitting up yet. Should I be concerned? If your baby is not sitting up in the typical developmental timeline, it can be helpful to try pediatric physical therapy services.
What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy?
The benefits of pediatric physical therapy include improved mobility, motor skills, strength, coordination, physical functioning, and independence.
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
How Can We Help Kids Reach Motor Milestones?
Pediatric physical therapy can help children reach age-appropriate motor milestones through therapeutic activities centered around balance, coordination, mobility, and strength. Our children's physical therapists at Connections Therapy Centers combine play and exercise to help children make progress in these important areas.
The end goal of these exercises is to help with rolling, crawling, walking, jumping, and other functional movements.
What Conditions Do Our East Idaho Pediatric Physical Therapists Treat?
At Connections Therapy Centers, we treat premature and high-risk infants; developmental disabilities; neuromuscular and orthopedic disorders, torticollis and plagiocephaly; and injuries.
Premature and High Risk Infants
Birth to age three: infant and toddler motor development.
Developmental Disabilities
Including Autism, Developmental Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, and Epilepsy.
Neuromuscular and Orthopedic Disorders
Including Amputation orthotics and prosthetics management, Cerebral Palsy, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spinal Muscle Atrophy, Muscular Dystrophy, Scoliosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, and 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.
What Kids' Physical Therapy Services Are Available?
Kids’ physical therapy services at Connections Therapy Centers consist of Dynamic Movement Intervention, Physical Therapy Intensives, and Pelvic Floor Therapy.
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. 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 Therapy
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 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
Why East Idaho Families Choose Connections Therapy
Families in Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, and Blackfoot choose Connections Therapy because of our dedication to building genuine connections throughout the course of our pediatric physical therapy services. We want to get to know your family on a deeper level so we can provide the best support we can to you and your little one.
With Connections Therapy, you can expect:
Connection-centered treatment
Trained therapists with pediatric physical therapy expertise
Family involvement from start to finish
Free screenings for your child
A wide range of accepted insurance plans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pediatric physical therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy describes a branch of medicine centered around helping infants, kids, and adolescents improve mobility, motor skills, physical capabilities, and independence.
What are the signs that my child needs pediatric physical therapy?
If your child is experiencing problems with balance, walking, motor skills, and other physical abilities, pediatric physical therapy might be beneficial.
What conditions can pediatric physical therapy help with?
Pediatric physical therapy can help with developmental disabilities, injuries, neuromuscular disorders, orthopedic disorders, torticollis, plagiocephaly, and more.
Is pediatric physical therapy covered by insurance?
At Connections Therapy Centers, we accept Idaho Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurance plans.
What communities in East Idaho does Connections Therapy Centers serve?
Connections Therapy Centers is proud to serve families in the Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, and Blackfoot areas.