Physical therapy isn’t just for athletes and those recovering from surgery. It offers benefits for people from all walks of life.
But can kids get physical therapy? Yes, and it might be necessary for those experiencing motor skill difficulties or developmental conditions. Read on to learn more about how it works, then schedule an initial consultation for physical therapy in Jersey City, NJ with Exchange Physical Therapy Group.
What Signs Indicate a Child Might Benefit From Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy may benefit children of all ages, including newborns. This treatment increases strength, mobility, and flexibility, all of which are important for normal childhood development.
If your child has any problems with movement, physical therapy could help. These are a few specific signs you may want to schedule an examination with a physical therapist.
Your Child Has Trouble With Mobility
Walking is one of the major milestones children meet in their first 10 to 18 months of life. But if your child has trouble standing, walking, or running, they may need support from a pediatric physical therapist.
Mobility issues may be due to a range of movement disorders. Your pediatrician will likely recommend physical therapy to help your child overcome barriers and move more freely. This may involve strengthening certain muscle groups, improving range of motion in the joints, or practicing new movement patterns.
Your Child Has Shown Delays in Motor Skill Development
Developmental delays often impact a child’s motor skills, which involve using the muscles to perform everyday activities. These skills are necessary to complete tasks ranging from eating with utensils to riding a bike. Some children develop motor skills faster than others.
Can kids get physical therapy even if they don’t have a developmental condition? Yes, whether your child is experiencing normal delays or has received a dyspraxia diagnosis, physical therapists help them develop these essential skills.
You Have Noticed Poor Posture in Your Child
More and more children are developing poor posture due to the increase in “tech neck,” which happens when they spend significant time looking down at a video game or tablet. Heavy backpacks may also affect a child’s posture.
Developing healthy posture now sets your child up for a pain-free life. On the flip side, poor posture leads to muscle strain, long-term spine issues, and even developmental problems.
Can kids get physical therapy for posture? Thankfully, they can, and doing so is a good idea. Children often fix their posture more easily than adults, as their bodies are still developing. A physical therapist will help your child learn healthy posture before it becomes a life-long challenge.
Your Child Struggles With Balance or Coordination
Your child may be able to walk and run just fine, but you have noticed that their balance is poor. Perhaps they seem clumsier than normal, have trouble riding a bike or learning other balance-related skills, or often complain of dizziness or motion sickness.
Whether their balance and coordination issues are due to an underlying issue or not, physical therapy may help. Pediatric physical therapy practices allow children to develop and strengthen their coordination without fear of injury.
Your Child Endured a Musculoskeletal Injury
Children are often prone to broken bones, sprains, and torn ligaments because their bodies are still developing. For example, children have open growth plates, which are more susceptible to injury than mature bones.
If your child recently suffered a musculoskeletal injury, whether from playing a sport or simply falling at home, physical therapy could help them recover faster. A physical therapist will guide them through rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the injured area, improve their range of motion, and prevent further injuries.
Schedule a Consultation for Pediatric Physical Therapy Today
Can kids get physical therapy? Yes, but you’ll want to choose a practice that has experience and training with pediatric therapy.
Exchange Physical Therapy Group is your go-to source for professional physical therapy for both children and adults. Contact us at (201) 721-6130 to schedule an appointment today to learn whether your child can benefit from physical therapy.
