When most parents hear that their child will be receiving physical therapy, their immediate thought is usually walking. However, the role of the physical therapist begins on a much more basic level.
A pediatric physical therapist is trained to assess each child and implement a plan to promote typical gross motor development.
What does that mean? We look at movements, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking and the transitional movements required to achieve these skills. As every child develops differently, it will be important to determine what movements are difficult for your child. The quality of movement may be affected by abnormal tone, muscle weakness, lack of coordination and sensory integration. Your physical therapist will help you learn to overcome these obstacles in order to facilitate normal movement, with a focus on the quality of movement achieved.