Caring for a child raises a wide array of concerns, worries and scary moments. Parents watch as a young child starts turning on a bed, crawls and eventually walks. As a parent, you see how your child plays with toys and shows interest in specific games while ignoring other games. In many cases, physical therapy is not a necessary part of raising a child because he/she grows and develops at a normal rate. Unfortunately, some situations do require the assistance of a physical therapist. Recognizing when to seek professional assistance allows a parent to take appropriate steps based on a child's specific situation.
Treatment After Injuries
Injuries change the way that an individual engages in activities or behaves. According to Kids Can Do, physical therapy helps when an injury harms a child's ability to perform tasks at the same level as his/her abilities before the injury.
The causes of injuries vary, so the best treatment options for any child will depend on the recommendations of a medical professional. Potential injuries that might cause developmental delays or that change a child's current motor skills include:
- Injuries from a sport, such as torn ligaments or injuries to the muscles
- Car accidents, which might break bones, cut into the muscles or otherwise cause severe injuries
- Accidents that cause damage to the muscles, bones or nerves
When an injury occurs, discuss the best treatment approach with a medical professional before considering physical therapy. Doctors may require a certain level of healing before a child starts working on regaining his/her motor skills. In the case of injuries that require stitches, a set bone or similar treatments, wait until a doctor determines that physical therapy is a safe option for your child and discuss your concerns with your child's doctor to ensure that physical therapy is an appropriate option for your specific situation.
Developmental Delays According to Move Forward, developmental delays prevent a child from keeping up with his/her peers. Essentially, it means that your child behaves in the way that a younger child behaves.
Only a medical doctor can determine if a child is showing signs of a developmental delay; however, you should discuss any concerns with a doctor during a normal checkup. In general, doctors use an age range to determine normal development because each child develops motor skills and physical abilities at different rates.
When a child shows signs of severe or obvious developmental delays when compared to other children in the same age group, talk to a doctor about the situation. A doctor might recommend physical therapy, but the exact solution for developmental delays will depend on the situation and the cause of the delays. For example, if a child needs glasses and the delays are due to poor vision, then glasses will help a child improve. On the other hand, if the delays do not have a clear cause, then physical therapy might give your child the push that he/she needs to start making progress physically.
Specific Syndromes or Health Conditions The National Down Syndrome Society points out that certain delays and developmental challenges stem from a specific condition. In many cases, children with Down syndrome require physical therapy to develop the muscle strength that he/she needs to keep up with peers.
Health concerns or conditions that might benefit from physical therapy include:
- Certain forms of autism
- Down syndrome
- Physical delays caused by illnesses or medical health concerns
- Delays caused by premature birth
- Feeling and complaining about pain when engaged in certain motor skills
Talk to a doctor about any health concerns before starting physical therapy. Doctors will determine the appropriate timing based on a child's specific needs and health, particularly if the cause of a delay stems from physical pain, premature birth or illnesses.
Seeking physical therapy for a child depends on his/her development and growth. In some cases, a doctor recommends therapy at an early age so that a child keeps pace with peers; however, some situations will not require physical therapy. Discuss your concerns with a medical professional before starting any changes to a child's routine to ensure that physical therapy is an appropriate option for the current situation and the health of your child.
About the author:
Erica L. Fener, Ph.D., is Vice President, Strategic Growth at Progressus Therapy, a leader in connecting therapy candidates with school-based and early intervention jobs. The company is a leader in connecting qualified candidates with therapy jobs and early intervention service jobs.
