Health & nutrition insights.

Physical therapy can help children for numerous reasons! Some physical therapists even specialize in seeing only pediatric patients. There are many orthopedic and neurological reasons why a child may seek out physical therapy services.

Injury Prevention

Children should be very active. In fact, the ASCM recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Kids that are in sports are probably getting even more than that. In fact, research suggests that kids specializing in a specific sport at a very young age makes them prone to injury because they are constantly performing the same movements over and over again. A physical therapist can help parents and coaches come up with exercises, drills, and stretches than can help prevent common sports injuries such as ACL tears in young female athletes.

Overuse Injuries

 

Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive stress to joints and muscles, and children are vulnerable

since they start sports as young as 3 or 4 years old. They also have very high nutritional and metabolic energy demands as they continue to grow throughout childhood, and this makes them more susceptible to overuse injuries. Physical therapy can help children heal properly and potentially prevent long term complications.

Muscle Diseases

Physical therapy can help children with diseases such as muscular dystrophy. These type of diseases gradually decrease muscle strength and can make it difficult for the child to complete everyday tasks. PT can help by

• Reducing muscle stiffness
• Improving or maintaining muscle strength or cardiovascular fitness
• Improving endurance and tolerance to daily activities

Genetic/Inherited Diseases

Sometimes children inherit diseases that affect their musculoskeletal system. Syndromes such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Down syndrome can cause loose ligaments, low muscle tone, and decreased strength. These children can and should still participate in physical activity, but these issues may cause them to be prone to injury. Physical therapy can help these children learn safe and efficient movement patterns to develop proper gross motor skills.

Sports Injury or Trauma

Kids play hard and sometimes that leads to an injury. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, broken bone, or a pulled muscle physical therapy can help children heal properly and have less pain. Worried about your child getting injured? Check out our BLOG for some tips.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition of the spine in which it curves sideways. It can range from mild discomfort to needing surgical intervention. Children with scoliosis can benefit from physical therapy to help with posture, breathing, muscle imbalances, and pain.

Any of these sound like your kiddo? Feel free to reach out and see if physical therapy is something that your child may benefit from.