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Concerned about your child ’ s development ?
Here is why you should act early and what you can do .
E Every parent of a baby or toddler knows that well checkups can be overwhelming . Your pediatrician will ask different questions at each visit . Has your baby rolled over yet ? Is he crawling , walking , climbing ? If your child isn ’ t meeting a certain developmental milestone , it may make you feel like you ’ re doing something wrong , or that something is wrong with your child . And if your child has certain disabilities or disorders , it can be even more difficult .
Many babies and toddlers need a little help in reaching some of these important milestones . That ’ s where pediatric physical therapists come in . Washington Health System ’ s Children ’ s Therapy Center is just for children , providing care for any child 0-18 years of age . They have the equipment and expertise that can make physical therapy successful , using play-based therapy strategies that are fun for the children .
We talked to Carley Weiss , a physical therapist at the center . She explains that physical therapists can treat a wide range of diagnoses in children . Some of their children have cerebral palsy , Down syndrome , genetic syndromes , other neurological and neuromuscular disorders and orthopedic injuries . They also treat general challenges like babies with delayed gross motor skills ( like rolling , sitting , etc .), toddlers who exhibit toe walking and tripping and preschoolers with difficulty running , jumping , poor balance or coordination .
If you have any concerns about your child ’ s development , the first step is to talk to your pediatrician . The doctor will be able to help determine if they would benefit from therapy .
You may have also heard of Early Intervention . Early Intervention is a program run by each state that provides services and support to children up to age 3 who have developmental delays and / or disabilities . It is important to know that a child can participate in outpatient physical therapy in conjunction with Early Intervention .
“ Early intervention is focused on a parent coaching method whereas outpatient therapy uses more of a hands-on approach combined with parent training ,” says Weiss . We also have access to different equipment and resources in an outpatient setting compared to being in the home . Parent and caregiver education is a vital component of both settings in order to promote good carryover .”
Weiss also notes that early intervention is only available up to age 3 , so supplementing with private physical therapy can help support transitioning out of early intervention ..
Weiss encourages parents to be proactive and consider an evaluation if they are at all concerned about their child , at any age .
“ There is research that supports intervention being more effective when it is provided earlier in life rather than later , due to a baby ’ s brain being most adaptable in the first three years of life ,” says Weiss .
Do you have questions or want more information ? You can contact Carley and the rest of the team at WHS Children ’ s Therapy Center by calling ( 724 ) 942-6100 .
“ Prior to an evaluation your child will need a script from a physician stating why they need an evaluation , but we can help with that process ,” says Weiss .
Physical therapy for children looks a little different from physical therapy for adults .
“ Physical therapy for babies and toddlers is one-on-one and includes play-based methods to make therapy more fun , engaging and functional . Children often don ’ t understand why they are in PT ,” says Weiss . “ We have to make exercises into a game or fun activity to have better participation outcomes .”
WHS Children ’ s Therapy Center 1000 Waterdam Plaza , Suite 120 , McMurray , PA 15317 289 North Avenue , Washington , PA 15301
( 724 ) 942-6100 whs . org
PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 33