Pediatric Therapy Flint- Max Well Therapy

Pediatric Therapy

What is Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy (PT) is focused on any problems with movement that cause functional limitations.

Diagnoses may include, but not limited to:

Autism
Asperger's
Developmental delays
Cerebral palsy
And other physical difficulties frequently have challenges with motor skills such as sitting, walking, running or jumping

Physical therapy can address poor muscle tone, balance and coordination. A physical therapist will start by evaluating the developmental level and abilities of the child. Once they identify the individual’s challenges, the physical therapists design activities that target those areas.

Physical therapy might include assisted movement, various forms of exercise, and use of orthopedic equipment.

How does Pediatric Physical Therapy work in Flint, MI ?

The approach to pediatric physical therapy is child-centered and focuses on the unique needs and abilities of each child. Physical therapists use play-based activities and games to engage children in therapy and make it a fun and enjoyable experience. This helps children to develop a positive attitude toward therapy and encourages them to participate fully.

The physical therapist will assess the child’s physical abilities and limitations, and develop a customized treatment plan based on their specific needs. The treatment plan will include exercises and activities to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

One common form of therapy used in pediatric physical therapy is aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy takes advantage of the buoyancy and resistance properties of water to provide an environment that is safe and supportive for children to perform exercises and movements. The water also helps to reduce stress on joints, making it ideal for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy or musculoskeletal injuries.

Another type of therapy used in pediatric physical therapy is adaptive equipment therapy. Adaptive equipment therapy uses specialized equipment to help children with physical impairments to participate in activities and exercises. This equipment includes wheelchairs, walkers, and adaptive toys, and helps children to improve their mobility and independence.

Gross motor skills, such as crawling, walking, and jumping, are important areas of focus in pediatric physical therapy. Physical therapists work with children to improve their gross motor skills through exercises and activities that focus on balance, coordination, and strength.

Fine motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and dexterity, are also important in pediatric physical therapy. Physical therapists use exercises and activities to help children improve their fine motor skills, such as through activities such as drawing, writing, and playing with toys.

Sensory integration therapy is another area of focus in pediatric physical therapy. Sensory integration therapy helps children with sensory processing disorders to improve their ability to process and respond to sensory information from the environment. Physical therapists use activities and exercises to help children with sensory integration, such as through activities such as playing with sensory toys, swinging, and jumping.

Physical therapy is also used to help children with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and congenital heart defects. Physical therapists work with children to improve their cardiovascular and respiratory function through exercises and activities that promote cardiovascular endurance and improve lung function.

In addition to physical therapy, pediatric physical therapists often work with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care for children with physical impairments and disabilities. This interdisciplinary approach helps to ensure that children receive the best possible care and achieve the best possible outcomes.

What do we treat with Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Children who benefit from pediatric physical therapy include those with:

Musculoskeletal conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or musculoskeletal injuries.
Developmental delays, such as those with delayed gross and fine motor skills or those with sensory processing disorders.
Neuromuscular conditions, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.
Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart defects.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Dysphagia/oral feeding disorders are disorders in the way someone eats or drinks, including problems with chewing, swallowing, coughing, gagging, and refusing foods.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Cognitive skills– remembering letters, shapes and sequences
Fine motor skills– finger dexterity, wrist and forearm control, and hand strength
Gross motor skills– balance and body coordination
Self-care tasks– dressing, bathing and self-feeding
Social skills– taking turns, listening and following directions

Pediatric Pelvic Floor Rehab

The Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program is designed for children who continue to have episodes of daytime urinary leaks beyond the typical age of potty training. Problems with bladder and bowel control are common and affect children of all ages causing embarrassment, anxiety, discomfort and frustration. In addition, multiple urinary tract infections may be a common occurrence for these children. Children and adolescents with bladder and bowel dysfunction may or may not have completed potty training.

Diagnosis of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction may include any of the following and may occur independently or in conjunction with other medical diagnosis:

Urinary Incontinence
Urgency to urinate
Increased frequency of urination
Leaking or dampness between bathroom visits
Enuresis (night time wetting)
Bowel Incontinence, Fecal Soiling, Encopresis (leaking of stool), or Constipation

What is Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation?

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation works to strengthen and coordinate the muscles that control the bladder. This program also educates you and your child on anatomy of the urinary tract system and strategies to avoid urinary leaks.

What are the possible benefits of the Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation program?

The goal of the pelvic floor program is for each child to improve and/or achieve independent bladder control. Your child will gain knowledge of their urinary tract system and diet related issues. They will also gain improved self-esteem, confidence and the increased ability to participate in social activities such as sleep-overs.

Speech Therapy

Examples of the services that our SLPs provide include:

Articulation/speech sound therapy for children whose speech is difficult to understand
Early intervention for “late-talkers” or children who remain largely nonverbal after they reach their second birthday
Intervention for children who have trouble communicating and functioning in social situations secondary to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Treatment for children and adults who have suffered strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and various neurodegenerative diseases which have had an effect on their ability to communicate.
Treatment of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) resulting from a wide variety of disorders in adults and children.

Because everyone is different, our SLPs individualize the treatment techniques that they use in order to suit the unique needs of each patient.

During your initial evaluation with an SLP, you will be asked several questions about previous medical and developmental histories. Depending on the reason for your visit, you or your child will likely be asked to participate in a variety of formal and informal assessments. The SLP may then recommend therapy for either 1 or 2 days per week and will also work with you to develop a set of goals for therapy.

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