Why Do We Need Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy addresses movement challenges that impact a child’s participation. PT helps children build foundational motor and coordination skills, and access more opportunities for play, learning, and social connection.

When To Refer For A Pediatric PT Evaluation?

Developmental Milestone Delays

• Delayed rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, standing, or walking
• Limited floor mobility or difficulty transitioning between positions
• Persistent asymmetries, unusual movement patterns, or concerns about motor development

Balance, Strength & Coordination

• Frequent falls, poor balance, or difficulty navigating playground equipment and stairs
• Reduced strength, endurance, postural control, or stability during play
• Difficulty with jumping, hopping, running, climbing, or other age-appropriate motor skills
• Challenges coordinating both sides of the body or performing movements in sequence

Motor Planning & Praxis

• Difficulty learning new motor tasks or imitating movements
• Trouble figuring out how to move the body to complete unfamiliar activities
• Difficulty sequencing multistep movements or adapting movements to changing environments
• Challenges participating in sports, playground activities, dance, or peer games despite adequate strength

Other Movement Concerns

• Persistent toe walking or other atypical gait patterns
• Difficulty with age-appropriate gross motor activities
• Reduced participation in physical play or avoidance of movement-based activities
• Motor difficulties that interfere with independence, confidence, or participation in daily routines

Why Motor Skills Matter Beyond Gross Motor Activities – Motor development is interconnected. A child’s movement challenges affect more than just their walking, running, jumping, or climbing.

• Fine motor & self-care: Postural stability, balance, and coordinated body positioning can support the foundation needed for seated play, tabletop activities, dressing, and other tasks involving the hands.
• Feeding: Positioning, postural stability, and coordination can influence participation during mealtimes. PT may address relevant gross motor or postural needs required for safe and effective feeding.
• Speech & communication: Postural control and motor coordination with gross motor movements can be addressed in PT, which helps improve oral motor control and coordination needed for speech.
• Play & social connection: Motor planning, imitation, and coordination can influence a child’s ability to join playground games, follow movement-based routines, and engage in shared activities with peers.

Consider Referral Even When A Child Is Walking

A child does not need to have a significant milestone delay to benefit from a PT evaluation. Children who walk independently may still experience subtle motor-planning, coordination, balance, or movement-learning challenges that limit participation in everyday activities.

Contact us for any questions about development, or for help determining whether an evaluation may be appropriate. Click here to get started!