If you walk into a pediatric PT practice, you’re going to see lots of colorful balls, toys and equipment to play on. But this is no ordinary playroom. It is where highly trained physical therapists work with kids of all ages to help them get stronger.
Incorporating play into every physical therapy session for kids is a great way to engage their interest, increase their motivation and achieve the best results possible! Through play-based therapy, children not only get stronger, but they also discover the joy of movement and improve their confidence. Every session is rooted in science, utilizing the most advanced principles of physical therapy. A carefully designed program of actions helps them achieve the improvements most important to them.
Play-Based PT Is Useful for a Wide Range of Conditions
Many families seek out pediatric physical therapy after receiving a diagnosis of physical, neurological, genetic or other causes of missed milestones. Other families are referred to PT after the child has been through surgery or is recovering from an injury. PT has something to offer each of these children.
Play-based PT improves strength and mobility while also enhancing each child’s confidence. This kind of PT can achieve excellent results with a wide range of diagnoses, including:
- Failure to meet milestones
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Muscular dystrophy and similar conditions
- Torticollis
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Poor coordination
- Restoration of strength and mobility after surgery or injury
Strength-Building Games Used in Pediatric PT
Pediatric physical therapists know just how to use toys, games and joyful interaction as they help children increase their strength and mobility. Play-based PT also taps into a child’s innate desire to engage in play. If your child needs physical therapy to achieve their best life, you both have a great experience to look forward to.
Here are some of the therapies that might be used (plus many more!):
- Obstacle Courses: As a child climbs over barriers, crawls through tunnels and jumps into pits filled with soft foam blocks, they strengthen their whole bodies.
- Animal Walks: Crab walks, frog jumps and bear walks improve shoulder stability and arm, leg and core strength.
- Therapy Ball Games: Sitting or bouncing on a big, soft therapy ball helps strengthen trunk muscles and improve balance.
- Swinging and Spinning: These activities not only engage the core but also provide calming sensory experiences for children who need this stimulus.
- Building and Stacking Games: The simple motion of squatting to pick up blocks and then standing to stack them strengthens arms, legs and the core.
- Dancing and Musical Games: Moving to the music increases balance as well as overall fitness.
- Games of Imagination: While imagining they are pirates or astronauts, children can be inspired to climb, jump, crawl and run.
Pediatric PT Offers Much More Than Just Strength!
When a child struggles with strength due to physical, emotional, or neurological challenges, pediatric physical therapy offers more than just exercise. Through our brand of play, children can discover their abilities, build resilience, and experience the pure joy of movement. These experiences increase morale, self-confidence and independence, all at the same time.
If you have learned that your child needs pediatric PT to achieve their best life, contact us! We are ready to engage your child’s interest in our fun and therapeutic activities! Call Let’s Communicate at (678) 963-0694 to get started today.
