When it comes to the health and well-being of a child, it’s necessary to understand how their bodies are different from those of adults, and how our Akron pediatric physical therapy team at Therapy and Wellness Connection approach their treatment.

There are several different types of pediatric physical therapy, but one of the most common types is orthopedic physical therapy. This is the study and practice of correcting functional impairments of a child’s musculoskeletal system, which encompasses the:

• Joints
• Bones
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Nerves

Physical therapists in general specialize in providing services that can help a child restore function, relieve pain, improve movement and boost overall fitness and health. Bottom line: We don’t want anything holding them back in life.

Orthopedic physical therapy for children takes into consideration the fact that a child is still growing. Regardless of whether the child’s condition is the result of a sports injury or a congenital condition, their muscles, joints and bones require special care because they can be damaged if not properly diagnosed or treated.

Our pediatric physical therapy team is trained specifically to recognize, identify and treat a broad range of orthopedic injuries and problems involving children. We also prioritize therapists who have a high level of compassion, patience and creativity. After all, kids are tougher to keep on task, and they may not understand the “why” of what we’re working on. Keeping kids engaged and having fun is key.

Ultimately, we want to help them gain or recover as much strength and mobility as possible so that they can begin or return to the normal functions of daily life.

Conditions Treated by Our Pediatric Physical Therapy Team

Our patients come to Therapy & Wellness Connection for a number of different reasons. Some are young children or teens who have developmental delays that impact motor skills (the ability to move). Others have suffered injuries.

Our job as pediatric physical therapists is to evaluate them, diagnose them, outline a treatment plan and work toward helping them develop both their range of motion as well as strength. We consider factors like:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Sensory processing
• Overall motor development

We want to ensure their gross development is aligned or at least as closely correlated as possible with other children their same age. Ultimately, it’s about getting them to reach their full level of independence and functionality so that they can be active participants in home, school, recreation and other activities.

Some of the conditions and diagnoses of our young patients include:

• Bone fractures
• Abnormalities in gait (Cerebral Palsy, idiopathic toe-walking)
• Movement disorders (intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder)
• Sprains of ligaments
• Arthroryposis
• Down syndrome
• Achondroplasia
• Juvenile arthritis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Postural alignment
• Scoliosis
• Spina bifida
• Sports-related injuries
• Muscular dystrophy
• Surgical rehabilitation
• Traumatic brain injuries

Custom Treatment for Every Child

Our exact approach is going to depend on the individual child, incorporating both their interests and abilities. Because a child’s “job” is to be active and play, we focus on tailoring all of our treatment plans around fun activities and games, working at their pace to reach their pediatric physical therapy goals.

We also help support parents and caregivers in their journey as well.

Pediatric physical therapy might not totally relieve all of a child’s condition. However, we know that with time and commitment to the process, physical symptoms can be alleviated and full potential can be realized.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides physical therapy to children in Akron, Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email. 

Additional Resources:

The ABCs of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy

More Blog Entries:

5 Ways Our Akron Physical Therapy Helps Children With Down Syndrome, Sept. 28, 2019, Akron Pediatric Physical Therapy Blog