Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy (PT) helps infants, children and adolescents develop strength, mobility, coordination, balance, motor control and independence in everyday activities. Physical Therapists specialize in how children move, play, and participate in daily routines across all stages of development.

HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS

Early Signs Your Child Needs Physical Therapy Services

Birth -12 months

12–24 months

2–4 years

4–7 years

SMALL STEPS, BIG MILESTONES

Key Developmental Areas Strengthened Through PT

Gross Motor Development
Strength & Endurance
Balance & Coordination
Postural Control
Motor Planning & Body Awareness
Gait & Mobility Skills
Flexibility & Range of Motion

Who is on your Care Team?

Physical Therapist (PT)

A physical therapist helps children improve strength, balance, coordination, and mobility so they can move confidently and participate fully in daily activities. Through individualized, play-based therapy, PTs support gross motor development and functional movement while partnering with families to encourage progress at home, school, and in the community.

Child and therapist sitting on the floor and smiling at each other.

Physical Therapy FAQ

Who can benefit from Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy supports children who have difficulty with movement, strength, balance, coordination, and gross motor development.

Physical therapy can help children who are delayed in milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, or running; have poor balance or endurance; walk with an unusual pattern, experience frequent falls, or have muscle weakness or tightness. Children with developmental delays, prematurity, neurological diagnosis, genetic conditions or injuries may also benefit.

Additional diagnoses that could warrant physical therapy include torticollis, plagiocephaly, w-sitting, and toe walking.

The goal is to help children move confidently and safely so they can participate in play, school, and daily activities.

How do I know if Physical Therapy is right for my child?

Caregivers may consider physical therapy if their child is not meeting gross motor milestones, avoids physical play, seems weaker or less coordinated than peers, has difficulty with stairs, jumping or running, or experiences frequent falls. Concerns about posture, walking patterns, or overall movement quality are also reasons to seek an evaluation.

If movement challenges are interfering with a child’s independence, a physical therapy evaluation can help determine whether therapy is appropriate.

How long is a typical Physical Therapy program?

The length of a physical therapy plan of care varies depending on the child’s diagnosis, goals, and response to therapy. Some children need short-term therapy to address specific movement concerns, while others may benefit from longer-term services for ongoing developmental or medical needs.

Plans of care are reviewed regularly and adjusted as progress is made, with the goal of promoting functional, age-appropriate movement.

Do parents participate in Physical Therapy?

Is Physical Therapy covered by insurance?

What is the evaluation process?

Before a physical therapy evaluation, caregivers complete intake paperwork, provide insurance information, and share medical and developmental history.

Some insurance plans require a physician's referral or prior authorization. A pediatric physical therapy evaluation includes a caregiver interview, observation of the child’s movement and play, and standardized or informal assessments of strength, balance, coordination, posture, and gross motor skills.

Findings are shared with caregivers in clear, supportive language, along with recommendations for services.

Where does Milestone offer Physical Therapy?

I am interested in services, what are the next steps?

The next step is to schedule a physical therapy evaluation with a licensed physical therapist. Milestone Therapy’s support services team can help determine if a referral or insurance authorization is required.

After the evaluation, the therapist reviews findings, discusses recommendations and outlines a plan of care if therapy is recommended. Caregivers can then decide how to proceed with services.

Have more questions? Get in touch!