What to Expect: Your Child's First PT Session
What to Expect: Your Child’s PT Session
As a caregiver, you may be wondering what your child’s physical therapy (PT) session will look like. How will your child’s needs be assessed? What activities or exercises will be included? It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions as you prepare for your child’s first appointment. Here at PMC, we want to ensure that you and your child feel comfortable and informed when it comes to therapy. Here are a few FAQs about your child’s first PT appointment.
What is pediatric physical therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized area of PT. It focuses on a variety of diagnoses and disorders, from infants to young adults. Pediatric PT’s are trained to make therapy fun and effective. Here at PMC we practice a play-based approach to therapy. Kids engage in age and ability-appropriate activities that motivate them and keep them interested as they improve their skills.
How can I prepare before our first PT session?
Prior to your first session, it is helpful to make notes on what you are most concerned about in regards to your child’s diagnosis/diagnoses, and what answers, improvements or interventions you are looking to receive from a proposed treatment plan. You are your child’s number one advocate. Observe their every day activities and mention your primary concerns with your therapist during evaluation.
What is examined during our first PT session?
Examination and evaluation of the child may include a variety of activities and conversations, depending on the current diagnoses prior to treatment. These may include: mobility, sensory and neuromotor development, use of assistive technology, strength and endurance, posture and balance, gross motor skills, and muscle and joint function.
How long is each session?
Physical therapy sessions can vary in length, but tend to run anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Typically, evaluations take 60 minutes. Younger children tend to have shorter appointments, and therapists often incorporate breaks into longer sessions.
Will I need to do anything at home, such as specific activities, exercises, or stretches?
How do pediatric physical therapists support the child’s family and caregivers?
Pediatric PT's operate under the belief that improving the life of the child also improves the lives of their family members and caregivers. Increased independence, safety, functionality and strength are just a few benefits of pediatric PT that extend beyond just the patient. Pediatric PT’s know that you know your child best. They work to collaborate with caregivers when it comes to individualized treatment plans.
What are some examples of ways that pediatric physical therapists educate families and caregivers?
Family members and caregivers deserve support, recognition and understanding. At your first PT session, not only will your therapist be creating a custom treatment plan for your child, they will also inquire about what you are most looking forward to when it comes to treatment. What are your goals for your child? How can we best help you? Examples of this include ideas for adapting toys for play, how to use equipment safely, expanding mobility options, accessing community programs and facilitating safety at home and in the community.
What are the benefits of aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy can be an incredible alternative to land-based physical therapy. The natural properties of water provide gentle resistance, making movements more comfortable. Warm water can also decrease pain and relax muscles. Aquatic therapy can be used for a variety of diagnoses, and works to improve mobility, strength, endurance, balance, and your child’s confidence.
We are here for you.
Pediatric physical therapy should look and feel like play. Exercises in a treatment plan are much more effective if the child is having fun. Our PT’s aim is to help your child feel calm and relaxed, working in an environment that doesn’t feel like therapy, but like play time. If you have any questions about how a certain game or activity is relevant to your child’s treatment plan, don’t hesitate to ask their physical therapist. You may be surprised by how the simplest of play can be utilized. Here at PMC we are here to use fun to improve your child’s well-being, as well as your own.
Resources:
https://www.interact-therapy.com/what-to-expect-when-working-with-a-pediatric-physical-therapist
https://pathways.org/what-is-a-pediatric-physical-therapist
https://pediatricapta.org/includes/fact-sheets/pdfs/FactSheet_ABCsofPediatricPT_2019.pdf?v=2
https://littlefeettherapy.com/what-happens-during-a-pediatric-physical-therapy-evaluation/
https://www.valleyhealth.com/services/pediatric-physical-therapy
https://www.choa.org/medical-services/rehabilitation/outpatient-rehabilitation/physical-therapy
