Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the healthcare professions. Physical therapy is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention and health promotion.
Achieve Functional Independence
Koala Academy Pediatric Therapies physical therapists focus on assisting clients to achieve their greatest level of functional independence using a child-driven, evidence-based approach. Specific goals are designed to help each child achieve his or her maximum potential at home and in the community.
Improve Gross Motor & Functional Mobility Skills
Pediatric physical therapy helps children learn to successfully and independently perform gross motor skills and functional mobility skills. As a child begins to successfully develop these skills, it creates a greater form of independence that helps contribute to achieving a higher sense of self-esteem.
Physical Therapy Results
Strategies that may be used as part of a physiotherapy intervention plan include: Specific exercises or activities for muscle strength, posture, endurance, motor planning and balance reactions. Sensory feedback strategies to improve a child's awareness of their body posture and movements.
Encourage large quality movements during therapeutic play
During therapeutic play, PTs work with children to encourage large quality movements. For example, it’s common for children with autism to walk on their toes. To support proper walking, PTs increase ankle mobility and calf flexibility. Children with autism sometimes have trouble holding their trunk upright, too, and this can be improved with postural exercises.
Improve balance, coordination and gross motor skills
Children with autism often have difficulty with coordination due to low muscle tone. Balance can be an issue, making it difficult to ride a bike or climb on the playground. Physical therapists work with young children to develop basic motor skills, such as sitting, rolling, standing and running. Some of the best therapies include swimming, dance/movement, and play therapy.
Increase confidence in social situations
Even though physical therapy doesn’t directly work on socialization skills, it has a significant impact on them. Studies show that children with good gross motor skills are better at socialization and communication than those with physical delays. By working on these impairments, children have more confidence to navigate social situations.
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