Top Pediatric Conditions That Benefit From Physical Therapy

When physical therapy is applied from an early age, it helps children improve stability, lower pain, increase mobility, and reduce the progression of their conditions.

Physical therapy is helpful as a remedy for minor mobility injuries or damaged muscles. However, it also helps children with chronic and long-term diseases affecting mobility and strength. Furthermore, when physical therapy is applied from an early age, it helps children improve stability, lower pain, increase mobility, and reduce the progression of their conditions.

Here are some conditions that can benefit from physical therapy:

Autism

Children with autism, besides having problems with language and social skills, also suffer from delays in motoric movements (jumping, walking) and slight movement (tying shoes). They lack balance and coordination, have poor posture control, and are insecure and unstable when walking. All of these motoric imperfections can improve with physical therapy. As a result, the child gains more independence and can even attend school.

Cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy have difficulties in motor and physical skills, apart from lacking cognitive skills. This condition's severity can range from mild to severe. However, with physical therapy, the situation can improve. Since movement and posture are affected the most in children with cerebral palsy, doing physical therapy can be a game-changer.

Furthermore, the therapy consists of reaching the potential, which differs for each child. Physical therapy can benefit walking without assistance for cases of mild cerebral palsy. For patients with more severe conditions, it can even mean handling a wheelchair alone.

Chronic pain

Physical therapy can help children with chronic pain as doctors create a specialized treatment plan concerning the reason for the pain. Whether the cause is diseases, disorders, injuries, or something else, physical therapy can be beneficial through stretching, strength exercises, and movement alone. It can minimize or even eliminate the pain.

Down syndrome

Down syndrome diagnosis is given during pregnancy, and children born with this condition have decreased strength, loose ligaments, and weak muscles. Furthermore, movement is limited since overexerting can lead to foot pain. Physical therapists don't speed up the motor development of children with Down syndrome. However, ensuring that motoric skills develop safely and efficiently is paramount.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injury significantly affects the quality of life. It may arise at birth or result from an accident. Spinal cord injury can lower the child's strength, affect motor functions and breathing, bladder and bowel control, cause spasms and pain, etc. Depending on the severity of the condition, the physical therapist can help by strengthening muscles and improving mobility and balance.

Neuromuscular disorder

Physical therapy can even benefit children with degenerative diseases like muscular dystrophy. Patients with the condition stumble, waddle, and have motoric difficulties (climbing stairs, trouble getting up). Under those circumstances, physical therapy helps decrease pain, adapt to loss of function, and slow down the progression of the disease.

Seek out physical therapy

Some states allow patients to use physical therapists without a primary care provider's referral. Even though a referral is not required, some insurance policies won't cover the costs. For this reason, always check what conditions must be met before getting a physical therapist.

Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.