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Children’s Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is directed to all age groups and for all types of concerns. One area is pediatric physical therapy. Infants are born with specific reflexes that must be integrated to allow optimal functional mobility.
Developmental milestones are achieved so that skills build one on another toward lasting achievements. Gross motor function leads to other skill development and children sometimes seem to have a way of focusing on one skill-set before fully moving on to another.
Generally speaking, a baby will tolerate tummy well and raise his head sufficiently to clear his airway when born. He then starts to lift his head and chest, eventually rolling over at about three to four months. Given the proper positioning, babies frequently just know what they need to do, but at times they may need a bit of extra help.
Moving on in time, babies tend to sit independently once placed at about six months, and learn to get in and out of sitting. They get onto all fours and start creeping reciprocally at about eight months.
All of these ages are just guidelines. Variations are normal.
They pull to standing at furniture and cruise along furniture. They can start walking at anywhere from 9-15 months. After that, it’s off to the races with climbing, kicking a ball (significant for standing on one leg), jumping up, jumping down, jumping forward, running, etc. Go-Go-Go.
Sometimes it is helpful for a parent to get a second opinion. Most states have an early intervention program which will provide evaluations for children until the age of three years. Indiana’s program is called First Steps and is easily accessed. Services are provided in the home or wherever the child spends most of his time.
Hearing and vision are important components of the whole picture and must be addressed as needed. Muscle tone can be a bit off and other developmental issues may be noted. Sometimes the milestones are just a bit slower to arrive. Is it normal, or is something else going on? Parents have great instincts and should always “trust their gut” so to speak, but if a second opinion is sought, many times the parent will be reassured, or can find the support that is needed.
Other issues may involve torticollis (flattening of one side of head, preference to look only one direction, asymmetrical facial features, etc.) which is most efficiently remedied when the child is still very young and rapidly growing. Many times, parents don’t notice this until requested to look back on family photos and then it becomes apparent. But if you suspect any issues please consult someone early.
“Every treatment protocol should be dictated by the wisdom of the patient’s own body.”
— Dr John E. Upledger
Preference to use one hand or to demonstrate hand dominance prior to age 3-4 years may indicate weakness on the non-preferred side. As noted above, an infant and young child should not demonstrate any lateral preference until he reaches his third or fourth birthday.
Feet can present a challenge as well. Once the baby is standing for much of the day, does he tend to turn the ankles in or out? The plantar arch does not develop until around the age of two years but his coming up onto tiptoes to reach for things is a great exercise to promote arch development. Sometimes we recommend orthotics to correct any issues during the first few years when the child is young and growing. Frequently when addressed at a young age, the alignment will correct itself and future problems can be avoided.
Autism is being diagnosed more frequently now than at any time in history. Therapists are trained to look at these areas.
So far I have addressed babies and young children but every age can benefit from physical therapy as needed. The listing is endless and each person is treated individually depending on their issues. Education is the key to success. We must educate the parent or the patient in areas of concerns and in ways to address them.