Atlanta Pediatric Physical Therapy
At Talk About Therapy, we specialize in a variety of physical interventions, such as physical therapy for kids and physical therapy for toddlers. We serve children and families in the Atlanta area, providing accessible pediatric physical therapy near you. See below to learn more about different physical challenges, how they can affect your child, and how we can help with physical therapy for kids and physical therapy for toddlers if you notice any red flags.
What are some disorders pediatric physical therapists can treat?
A pediatric physical therapist can address a variety of disorders that impact a child’s physical development and movement. Some of these disorders include:
- Developmental Delays: Delays in reaching motor milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking.
- Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders that affect muscle coordination, movement, and posture due to damage to the developing brain.
- Muscular Dystrophy: A group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.
- Spina Bifida: A birth defect where the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, leading to mobility issues.
- Torticollis: A condition where the neck muscles are tighter on one side, causing the head to tilt.
- Down Syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects physical growth and muscle tone, leading to developmental delays.
- Clubfoot: A congenital deformity where one or both feet are twisted out of shape or position.
- Neuromuscular Disorders: Conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy that affect the nerves controlling voluntary muscles.
- Orthopedic Conditions: Issues like scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and hip dysplasia that affect the bones, joints, and muscles.
By addressing these and other conditions, pediatric physical therapists help children improve their strength, flexibility, balance, and overall physical function, enhancing their ability to participate in daily activities and achieve their full potential.
What are some signs my child might benefit from physical therapy?
If you have any concerns about your child’s gross motor development, please reach out! Here are some reasons you may consider a physical therapy evaluation for your child:
- Developmental Delays: If the child is not meeting age-appropriate motor milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking, an evaluation can help identify underlying issues.
- Movement and Coordination Difficulties: If the child struggles with balance, coordination, or fine and gross motor skills, such as climbing stairs, catching a ball, or riding a bicycle, physical therapy can address these challenges.
- Frequent Falls or Clumsiness: If the child is noticeably more prone to falling or appears clumsy compared to peers, a physical therapist can assess and work to improve their stability and coordination.
- Abnormal Movement Patterns: If the child exhibits unusual walking patterns (e.g., toe walking) or other irregular movements, physical therapy can help correct these patterns.
- Muscle Weakness or Stiffness: If the child has difficulty with tasks requiring strength or flexibility, or if their muscles appear unusually stiff, physical therapy can help improve muscle function and range of motion.
- Limited Range of Motion: If the child has difficulty moving their limbs through a normal range of motion, physical therapy can help restore flexibility and mobility.
- Poor Posture: If the child exhibits poor posture or difficulty maintaining proper body alignment, physical therapy can help improve posture and prevent related issues.
- Fatigue During Activities: If the child tires more quickly than other children during physical activities or struggles to keep up, physical therapy can help build endurance and strength.
- Chronic Health Conditions: If the child has a chronic condition, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida, physical therapy can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
