Pediatric Physical Therapy Services

About Our Pediatric Physical Therapy Services:

Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is a functional therapy that helps people reduce pain, recover from illnesses and injuries, and develop balance and motor skills. PT relies on manual therapies such as exercise and massage.

Our physical therapists work with infants and children to build strength, motor skills, balance, flexibility, gait, and coordination, with a goal of helping them move as independently as possible.

Pediatric Physical Therapy Evaluations

A physical therapy evaluation is the first step in determining whether your child may benefit from physical therapy or other individualized services. During this comprehensive assessment, our licensed physical therapist evaluates your child’s strength, balance, coordination, posture, mobility, endurance, and overall motor development. This process typically lasts about an hour. 

Families play an active and essential role in the evaluation process. We take time to listen to your concerns, discuss developmental history, review medical background, and understand your goals for your child. Your input helps us create a clear and meaningful plan of care.

Following the evaluation, you will receive:

• A summary of our findings
  
• Clear recommendations
  
• Measurable goals tailored to your child
  
• A proposed treatment plan, if services are recommended
  
  

Our goal is to ensure you leave the evaluation with answers, guidance, and a clear understanding of next steps, whether that includes therapy services or supportive strategies to use at home.

How Do I Know if My Child Needs Physical Therapy?

You may consider a physical therapy evaluation if your child is experiencing delays in motor development or has difficulty with movement skills.

Children who may benefit from physical therapy include those who:

• Experienced birth injuries or complications
  
• Demonstrate poor posture or low muscle tone
  
• Are not sitting independently by 9 months
  
• Are not walking independently by 20 months
  
• Show difficulty with balance, coordination, or strength
  
• Frequently fall or appear clumsy compared to peers
  
  

Additionally, children diagnosed with neurological or genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida often benefit from physical therapy to improve their mobility, strength, endurance, and independence.

If you are unsure, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether therapy is appropriate and will provide you with clear recommendations and next steps. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in helping children reach their full potential.

What Kind of Progress Can I Expect? 

Children develop at their own pace, and progress in physical therapy depends on multiple factors, including your child’s age, developmental level, medical history, consistency of therapy, and consistency in practicing exercises at home.

Some children learn new skills quickly, while others require more time to make notable progress. Physical therapy often focuses on building strength, improving coordination and balance, increasing endurance, and helping children gain independence with movement and daily activities.

Sunshine Center's physical therapists will:

• Set individualized, measurable goals for your child
  

• Monitor progress
  

• Adjust treatment plans as your child grows and develops
  

• Provide home activities to help reinforce new skills
  
  

Skill development is not always linear, no matter our age. Children can experience periods of rapid improvement, followed by plateaus while they practice, strengthen, and generalize new skills across home, school, and community environments.

Sunshine Center's goal is to support your child’s long-term success by building functional skills, confidence, and independence while working closely with your family throughout the journey.

Credentials and Licensing for Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapy services at the Sunshine Center are provided by licensed, highly trained DPTs (Doctor of Physical Therapy) who meet all state and national requirements for practice. Sunshine Center physical therapists follow evidence-based practices and adhere to professional standards to ensure safe, ethical, and high-quality care for every child.

Pediatric Physical Therapy FAQs

Does my child need a pediatrician referral for physical therapy? 

The need for a referral in order to access pediatric physical therapy services is dependent upon your insurance plan. Some plans allow direct access to physical therapy, while others require a doctor's referral. 

How often will my child need physical therapy? 

PT session frequency will depend on your child's needs and your family's goals. Session frequency is individualized and typically varies from a few times a month to a few times per week. 

How long will my child need physical therapy? 

The duration of physical therapy is individualized; there is no exact duration for PT. Some children need short-term services to aid in reaching a development milestone, while others require long-term, regular PT sessions. We monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. 

What should my child wear to therapy? 

We always suggest that children wear comfortable clothes in which they can easily move. If the child is older, it is also helpful to wear sneakers so that we can work on balance and coordination. 

Can I stay during my child's session? 

Yes. We strongly encourage family involvement in our PT sessions. Parents and caregivers are an essential aspect of a child's care plan, and their support helps children incorporate their new skills into everyday life. 

Will insurance cover pediatric physical therapy?

Insurance coverage for physical therapy varies, though many plans cover medically-necessary PT services. 

Can I access PT for my child without a diagnosis? 

A diagnosis isn't always required in order to receive PT services. If you are concerned regarding your child's balance, coordination, motor development, or general movement, getting a comprehensive evaluation from a physical therapist will help you and your family determine next steps.