If you are a parent, you want to give your child all the tools your child will need to succeed in life. For many parents, this involves working with a pediatric physical therapist. If your child has been referred to a pediatric physical therapist, chances are you have several questions about the process and what benefits your child will have from this amazing service. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions you might have about pediatric physical therapy.

What Exactly Is Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Much like a physical therapist that works with adults, a pediatric physical therapist works to improve a child's gross motor function by developing and strengthening the child's muscles, limbs, and joints. The function and anatomy of your child's body will change over time, and often, your child will not develop at the proper rate.

For example, if your toddler has issues walking or with their gait or if your older child is in a sports-related accident and needs to recover, your child will work with a physical therapist to help repair and strengthen their body.

How Can Physical Therapy Benefit A Child?

No matter if your child requires physical therapy for a few weeks or your child will need to work with a physical therapist for several months or even years, there are several amazing benefits to working with a physical therapist, including:

• Improving movement and mobility
• Decreasing pain
• Improving posture and strength
• Help recovering from sports injuries
• Strengthing your child's body to prevent sports injuries
• Managing several chronic illnesses

If your child has a condition that makes your child prone to injury or would make your child require surgeries in the future, pediatric physical therapy can help your child avoid future procedures and discomfort.

What Can Your Child Expect During Their First Appointment?

In most cases, your child's pediatrician will refer you to a physical therapist. During this initial appointment, your child's physical therapist will discuss your child's medical history and talk about any concerns you have about your child's development. If your child suffered an accident or injury, the therapist will ask you to go over the details of the incident.

Finally, you and your pediatric physical therapist will come up with a treatment plan that will help your child's body heal and strengthen. The number of treatments your child will require will vary greatly depending upon their specific needs.

A pediatric physical therapist is an amazing resource that can help your child reach their physical potential. For more information, contact a local company, like Excel Physical Therapy and Wellness.