Physical Therapy

Miller Children's physicial therapists know that a child's work is play.  Children receive specialized care in a safe and fun environment that offers the challenges faced in their natural settings in the safety of a skilled facility.

The goal of physical therapy is to help improve movement so that children can regain or achieve the highest level of physical functioning. The family also is supported by services that empower them to care for their child and reduce the physical burden of the disability on the family or caretakers.  At Miller Children's, newborns, infants, children, adolescents and young adults receive highly trained care for:

• Developmental conditions associated with prematurity or trauma
• Congenital (genetic) diseases or disorders
• Acquired conditions and disabilities from infection, viruses or injury
• Neuromuscular diseases or disorders
• Cardiopulmonary disorders or diseases (heart and lung disorders including cystic fibrosis)
• Musculoskeletal diseases or disorders, including orthopedic, sports and/or athletic injuries and spinal deformities like scoliosis
• Pre- and post-operative care, especially with complex medical needs
• Endocrine or hormonal disorders, including diabetes
• Skin wounds/burns from injury, trauma, infection or pressure sores
• Connective tissue disorders like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Casting and serial casting
• Other complex medical needs
  
  

Helping to Gain Movement

The child's environment and daily needs are taken into consideration as physical therapists (PT) provide thorough evaluations.  Physical therapists assess areas such as a child's muscle strength and tone, joint function and range of motion, gross motor function, sensory and neuromotor development, posture, balance, coordination, flexibility, exercise endurance and response to activities, pain, burns and/or wounds.

Informaiton gained from evaluatins are used to provide an individualized treatment plan for each patient.  Some children need specialized equipment to help the regain their independence.  PTs work with the family and community to make recommendations for wheelchairs, walkers, braces or special equipment for mobility, safety or protection as needed.

A Collaborative Approach

Physical therapists provide care for patients who are inpatients (hospitalized) in most of the care centers, such as acute rehabilitation, pediatric intensive care unit, hematology/oncology and general pediatrics. There are also members of the PT team dedicated exclusively to the NICU on the NICU Therapy Team. In the outpatient specialty centers and clinics, PTs are a part of a few of the outpatient care teams, including Rheumatology, Hypertonicity and Rehabilitation.