• Torticollis

• Plagiocephaly (head flatness)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD

• Neurological conditions (Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy), Cerebral Palsy, Spina bifida, or Concussions)

• Genetic syndromes (Muscular Dystrophy, Down syndrome)

• Orthopedic conditions (Scoliosis, leg pain, sports injuries, foot deformities, arthritis)

• Walking difficulties (walking on tip-toes, frequent falling, other abnormal walking patterns)

• Heart and lung conditions (Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis)

• Vision impairments

• Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder

• Childhood Obesity

• May not be performing gross motor skills with ease (crawling, rolling, walking, jumping)

• Your baby has a preference of one side (turning their head only to the left, rolling only to their right, difficulties feeding on one side)

• Walks on tip-toes more than a couple months

• Walks with toes turned in or out, or walks in an atypical/awkward manner for more than a few months

• Appears clumsy, frequently trips or bumps into objects

• Seems uncoordinated with throwing, catching, kicking, hopping, skipping, jumping jacks

• Avoids running, playgrounds, climbing, swings but seems interested in these activities

• Can’t keep up with other children their age or gets tired easily

• W-sits most of the time

• Is very flexible or "double-jointed"

• Recent injury / surgery and hasn't returned to regular activities in expected time

• Frequently complains of pain

We frequently work with kids 8 years and older with a variety of orthopedic issues, including chronic pain, sports injuries, hypermobility, poor strength / endurance, and walking / running patterns. 

If your child is younger or would benefit from more fun activities while performing exercises (swings, stomp rockets, relay races, board games), we highly recommend scheduling with our office. While an adult-focused PT may also be able to help your child, they will potentially not have as much fun during therapy sessions with our pediatric PT's. 

We do not have equipment for some exercises, such as treadmills, TRX straps, barbell squats / deadlifts, or heavy resistance training. If your child is older or participates in high-level sports, you may want a referral to a primarily adult / sports PT clinic. 

A physical therapy evaluation is the first step in determining your child’s strengths and challenges. When a child first comes to physical therapy, we do a 1-hour long assessment, which includes discussing parent / caregiver concerns, learning about your child’s medical history, and observing your child moving and playing. We will also perform a hands-on assessment, which may include muscle strength, flexibility, posture, or reflexes. At the end of the appointment, your therapist will discuss their findings with you and may recommend additional therapy services.

Treatment sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long, 1 time per week. Depending on your child and family's needs, sessions may up to 2x/week or as infrequent as 1x/month. 

Sessions and are custom tailored with lots of fun activities to help your child achieve their gross motor goals. It may include a variety of stretches, exercises, massage, or fun games to improve physical function. At the end of each session, your therapist may suggest activities that you can work on at home between treatment sessions to continue promoting progress. 

Make sure to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for photos and videos of some of our therapy sessions!

OTs and PTs often work with children with the same conditions, and both help with improving a child's quality of life and overall functioning. Both provide hands on care that is individualized based on their client’s needs. Pace Pediatric OT and PTs frequently work together to ensure best practices for each child. 

Physical Therapy:
PTs typically focus on body movement and are experts in the musculoskeletal system. Clinical observations and assessments help them determine if there is something impacting a child’s posture, alignment, or ability to safely navigate their environment. Through exercise and play, they work on strengthening, balance, coordination, endurance, and body awareness necessary to improve children’s functional mobility.

Occupational Therapy:
An OT takes a holistic approach to assess what meaningful occupations are for their client. Meaning, what occupies the child’s time. This encompasses everything from brushing their teeth, changing their clothes, school tasks, play, eating, and sleeping. OTs use clinical observations and assessments to determine if children have the attention, fine motor, bilateral coordination, sequencing, cognitive, visual perception, and sensory processing skills necessary to engage in their daily activities. Through play and adapting activities or environments they are able to provide their client with the just right challenge to increase their overall independence.