If you live in the Spokane Valley, WA area, you can trust our friendly pediatric physical therapists at Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy to assist your child or teen as they heal. Whether your child has a chronic illness or disability, or an injury from playing sports or another activity, physical therapy may be able to help.
Physical Therapy For Children Vs. Adults
Physical therapy isn’t just for adults. Countless children and young people between the ages of 5-18 have benefited from pediatric physical therapy. Here are some of the conditions that we work with.
- Sports Injuries
- Other Injuries
- Developmental Delays
- Missed Milestones
- Muscle Weakness
- Imbalance & Posture Issues
- Poor Motor Skills
- Lack Of Coordination
- Toe Walking
- Scoliosis
Children Have Unique Therapy Needs
Physical therapy can be difficult, which is hard enough for adults to cope with, even when they clearly understand treatment goals and processes. On the other hand, young children may not even realize what’s happening or why they are being asked to do certain tasks.
Pediatric physical therapists are specially trained to address younger patients’ complex physical and emotional needs.
Incorporating Fun & Family In The Healing Process
PT Treatments for younger patients generally involve specially designed activities such as games and play. These activities are intended to treat underlying issues while motivating the child to have a good time while working hard.
Both in the office and at home, family involvement is often a crucial part of the plan. Even teens who may be motivated to work hard to get back to their daily activities will benefit from caring support from family and friends.
Potential Benefits Of PT For Children & Teens
- Improve Range Of Motion
- Increase Strength
- Tone Muscles
- Improve Reflexes
- Better Balance & Posture
- Managing Chronic Illnesses & Disabilities
- Rehabilitate injuries
- Avoid Surgeries
What To Expect At Your Child’s First Visit
Before we can create a treatment plan, your provider will need to perform a thorough evaluation. Bringing medical information with you or having your pediatrician send the medical history in advance will help us understand the bigger picture.
Be prepared to answer questions, and don’t be afraid to bring up concerns or questions of your own. Your PT may observe movements and perform tests to evaluate your child’s range of motion, strength, tone, reflexes, and other physical factors.
Be Ready To Work With Your Child At Home
If your child is taking part in outpatient physical therapy, you will likely also need to work together at home. Following the prescribed exercises and activities can help your child meet goals and progress more quickly.
Affordable Physical Therapy For Kids In Spokane Valley
At Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy, we know that pediatric physical therapy can be challenging for kids. You can rest assured that our caring providers will treat your children and teens with empathy and respect while ensuring they receive the best treatment possible. Call today to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
