Physical Therapy for Children
Experts in evaluating and treating pediatric developmental conditions, musculosketal disorders and movement disorders, our physical therapists work with each child to reach his or her highest level of participation and functional independence at home, school, and in the community. For a glimpse into the work of pediatric physical therapists, please watch this video and click here for information from the American Physical Therapy Association!
Enjoy some family exercise time together. Running, jumping, climbing, and crashing can be difficult and often dangerous for kids while stuck inside the house, but movement and physical play is essential for development and regulation. There are limitless opportunities for kids (small and big) to get the movement they need in a safe way while indoors. Some ideas include:
- Make an obstacle course in the living or bedroom using furniture, pillows, blankets, and toys
- Make a scavenger hunt to look for items around the home or play hide-and-seek
- Play classic favorites like “Simon Says,” “Head Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” and “Hokey Pokey.”
- Sign up for a free account at Go Noodle for hours of video-guided physical activities for kids of all ages.
ABCs of Pediatric PT fact sheets:
English and Spanish
Recreation, Play and Camps click here.
PT3: Researchers at Seattle Children's want to find ways to improve and increase walking and activity in youth with Cerebral Palsy. For more information on this research click here.
The Play Lounge is a wonderful place for families to play. For more information, check out their Facebook page!
¡Ideas para practicar movimientos gruesos y quemar un poco de energía! Sabemos que ahorita los niños están pasando mucho tiempo en casa, y tal vez extrañen su tiempo de recreo. En estos sitios web, pueden encontrar bastantes ideas para que se mantengan activos y practiquen habilidades como brincar, balance y planeación motriz. 5 actividades para mejorar la motricidad gruesa , actividades de movimiento para ninos con energia , 10 formas de trabjar la motricidad gruesa en los ninos
Actividades para practicar la lectura y el vocabulario: Visita este sitio web con ideas para apoyar el desarrollo de habilidades de lectura y vocabulario de tu niño/niña, tanto en español como en inglés y para recibir información de como criar un niño/niña bilingüe.
Apoyo para un menor con autismo: Visita estos sitios web con ideas para apoyar un niño/niña con autismo y para conectarte con otros padres de familia que están pasando por experiencias similares: Autismo Diario y la Sociedad de Autismo.
Children's Therapy has a variety of resources to assist with gait training activities. We have a pediatric sized treadmill with speed that beings at 0.1 mph, which is ideal for emerging walkers and for those children who need extra time to perform stepping. We also have a LiteGait which is a body weight support system that can be implemented over the treadmill or over the ground. It includes a suspension system with a harness, allowing the therapist to choose how much body weight the child will take on while waling. All of our physical therapists are able to provide hands on gait facilitation.
Sworkit Kids Fitness Meets Fun (free): This app turns exercising into a game with customizable workouts that build strength, agility, and flexibility. The app guides users through exercises that combine interval training with randomized exercises to keep kids from getting bored. The app challenges kids with questions like "how long can you hop on one foot?"
Iron Kids ($2.99): Iron Kids is a kids' fitness app made by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This app is great for young athletes who want to learn about healthy strength training, balance, and fitness from sports medicine physician Jordan D. Metzl, MD, FAAP. Iron Kids features custom workouts, training tips, goal setting, and reminders.
Go Noodle: An App and YouTube channel that challenges young kids to move through fun videos.
Adaptive Recreation: This program provided adaptive recreational opportunities are great for kids who are interested in playing sports but have difficulty with gross motor skills and may not be able to participate in traditional team sports activities. Each city Parks and Rec should have an adaptive recreation program coordinator. For more information, click here.
YMCA: We encourage all kids to find fitness opportunities through their local YMCAs. The YMCA offers low cost membership that includes access to pools, exercise equipment, classes and peer group hang outs. The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. They are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. They will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of their programs, and by caring for communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner. For more information, click here.
Indoor Activities: Here are a couple of physical indoor play ideas. This link will help build your child's gross motor skills while playing indoors. Also try this link to help your kid active while they are out of school.