Physical Therapy
At ProActive Pediatric Therapy, we understand the excitement, wonder, and concern that come with watching your child grow. Every step, reach, and new skill is an important milestone. Yet, we know that sometimes parents notice things that spark questions: Is my child hitting their developmental milestones? Is this delay normal? Can physical therapy help? We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and support your child’s growth every step of the way.
Do you have concerns about your BABY or child's development?
Physical therapy (PT) helps infants and children become independent in their play and reach physical milestones such as rolling over, sitting, standing, walking, running, or reaching. It also helps children who have been injured or who have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability to improve movement, decrease pain, and return to daily activities.
Promoting Motor Development and Independence
- Early motor skills—like holding up the head, rolling over, crawling, and walking—are key milestones in a child’s growth.
- Physical therapy provides focused support to encourage these skills in children who may face delays or challenges.
- Pediatric physical therapists use activities to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and build foundational movement skills.
- The goal is to help your child achieve independence in movement, fostering confidence and allowing them to explore at their own pace.
Addressing Physical Conditions and Diagnoses
- Some children have physical conditions that impact their movement and development, such as:
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Cerebral palsy or genetic disorders
- Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing these conditions through targeted exercises and techniques.
- Our team collaborates with healthcare providers to create a therapy plan that meets your child’s unique medical needs.
- By addressing these challenges early, we support your child’s ability to reach their full developmental potential.
Building Strength, Balance, and Coordination
- Therapy sessions focus on building essential physical skills like:
- Balance for stability during movement
- Coordination for more complex activities
- Our therapists use fun, age-appropriate exercises and play to develop these skills in an engaging way.
- By working on strength, balance, and coordination, we help children feel more comfortable and confident in their movements.
- These skills set children up for long-term success in daily activities, physical play, and sports.
Why Physical Therapy for Infants and Children?
i wonder...
Have you ever wondered about the following?
My child needs leg braces. Are there other options other than typical AFOs?
My child struggles with pooping or potty training.
My child seems weak or struggles with balance.
My toddler (or child) seems clumsy and uncoordinated. Is this normal?
I have heard of NMES- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (or Estim). I wonder if this could help?
I wonder why my baby dislikes being on their tummy
My child walks on toes frequently or
slaps feet when walking
My baby only rolls in one direction or is not rolling at all
I wonder why baby prefers to crawl with one leg up and the other down
These are natural questions, and our team is here to help you understand what to expect and how therapy can be customized for your child’s needs. Physical therapy can be beneficial at various stages, whether you have a newborn with specific concerns or an older child who needs assistance in building strength and confidence.
Starting physical therapy early can have lasting benefits for your child’s development and well-being. By addressing physical challenges in infancy or early childhood, we can often prevent or minimize future issues related to muscle weakness, poor posture, or delayed motor skills. Early intervention helps lay a strong foundation for healthy movement patterns, making it easier for your child to keep up with peers as they grow. This proactive approach can reduce the likelihood of physical setbacks or complications later on, allowing your child to thrive with greater independence and confidence. At ProActive Pediatric Therapy, we believe that early support is one of the best ways to equip your child with the skills they need to navigate their world comfortably and successfully.
When physical therapy begins early, it not only supports physical development but also nurtures emotional well-being. As children overcome physical challenges, they build confidence in their abilities, which can positively impact their self-esteem and willingness to engage with the world around them. These early skills also lay a foundation for lifelong health, promoting habits of movement and strength that benefit them well into adolescence and adulthood. Early physical therapy encourages resilience and adaptability, helping your child feel empowered as they achieve new milestones and grow stronger each day. At ProActive Pediatric Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping every child reach their fullest potential through compassionate, expert care.
Getting Your Child on the Right Track with Early Physical Therapy
Love from our families
"Our experience with the entire team, and especially Suzie has been phenomenal. Nothing short of life changing for our child. She is an absolute professional and a gem of a human being. Suzie not only knows PT, but has an incredible way of connecting with her patients (and their families). She truly cares and is 100 percent committed to doing whatever it takes"
“Nicole has been wonderful to work with. My child looks forward to each appointment and we have seen great progress. I highly recommend their care!
My only regret is not going there sooner!”
“Even on the hard days, Suzie gets my son to work hard and smile! It is pure joy watching them work together as he gets stronger and more confident. With his condition, I never thought my son would learn to ride a traditional bike. It still brings tears to my eyes watching him ride throughout the neighborhood - enjoying his newfound freedom! Suzie also introduced us to both E-STIM and new/innovative bracing that has helped tremendously."
“Our son has Spina Bifida and we know Suzie is always looking at his whole being in her approach to PT which we greatly appreciate. She makes PT fun, exciting, enjoyable, educational for the parents, and practical. We have seen in our son Miles in a short time with Suzie and cannot image going anywhere else! We are excited about the continued growth and future knowing Suzie and ProActive are a part of our care team! We are confident in saying they provide the best pediatric PT in the Cedar Rapids area”
Your child and family will flourish with the support of our team. You're not alone in your child's growth and development journey.
looking for answers to your questions and concerns?
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1717 Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA 52233 | (319) 200-2004
Email: info@proactivepediatrictherapy.com
