What We Do
At Assential Therapies Inc. our pediatric physical therapists (PTs) creatively assess, develop, and implement specialized treatment plans for each child and family to assist them in reaching their maximum potential in gross motor development. Pediatric physical therapy can be addressed in various stages of development from birth to young adults to meet their needs of mobility, stability, and endurance to function independently and promote active participation with their family and peers.
Commonly Used Therapy Approaches/Techniques
Muscular strengthening through maintaining functional positions and transitions between positions
Range of motion through handling, active-assisted, & active movements
Stability in functional positions of a variety of surfaces
Proprioceptive activities for joint attention, body/surrounding awareness
Myofascial release/massage to improve muscle activation, blood circulation, & reduce pain
Coordination activities through facilitation of motor planning/learning
Neuromuscular re-education
Vestibular activities
Therapeutic ball activities
Endurance activities
Gait & Stair training
Kinesio-taping
Initial Evaluation - What to Expect
Learn more about what to expect during your initial physical therapy evaluation.
Skills Assessed
- Tolerance of “Tummy-Time”
- Rolling
- Sitting skills
- Crawling/Floor mobility
- Standing activities
- Gait/walking or running
- Posture
- Equal use of body through transitions between positions
- Balance in positions into standing on one foot
- Safely navigating stairs (climbing and/or walking)
- Coordination – Ball skills for throwing, catching, and kicking
- Jumping
- Swinging
- Riding a bike
- Endurance to activities
- Pain during activities
Common Diagnoses
- Developmental Delay
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Low or Increased Muscle Tone (hypotonia and hypertonia)
- Down Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Genetic Conditions
- Congenital Birth Defects
- Torticollis
- Scoliosis
- Club Foot Deformity
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Other Neurological Conditions
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cardio-pulmonary Disorders
- Orthopedic Injuries or Surgeries
- Childhood Sports Injuries
- Painful joints/muscles
