Signs That Your Child May Need Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the many types of care available through Happy Hearts. This month we’ll dive into what a physical therapist does and the signs that a child should be referred to a physical therapist. In the state of Pennsylvania, physical therapy is provided at no charge for qualifying children from birth to age three through the early intervention program. If your child is experiencing motor delays or struggles with balance and coordination, it’s important to get them a free evaluation so they can receive the assistance they need as soon as possible to help them live their lives to the fullest.

What is Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy is a treatment that addresses gross motor skills, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, vestibular, and sensory deficits. Physical therapists work with families in the early intervention program to reach infant and early childhood motor milestones through a family-centered approach.

Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy? 

There is a spectrum of disorders or disabilities we have worked with and can help, including, but not limited to, Angelman Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Delayed Milestones, Traumatic Brain Disorders, and Adolescent Seizure Disorders. 

Signs That Your Child Should Be Evaluated by a Physical Therapist

Every child develops at their own rate, making it hard to know what’s normal, especially when you’re flooded with opinions and comparisons on social media. Below are a few benchmarks from the CDC’s Developmental Milestones related to gross motor skills. If your child displays any of the following, you should consider having them evaluated.

By 3 months:

• Child has difficulty holding their head up

• Child displays uneven neck movement side to side

• Child has uneven elevation of shoulders at rest 

By 8 months:

• Child is unable to roll independently from back to belly and belly to back

  
  

By 10 months:

• Child has difficulty sitting independently

By 12 months:

• Child is not pulling themselves up to stand at surfaces 

By 15 months:

• Child has difficulty walking 

By 24 months:

• Child is not running

• Child will not kick a ball

By 30 months:

• Child isn’t jumping off the ground with both feet

Unusual movement patterns may also be cause for evaluation. Keep an eye out for rigid limbs, jerky movements, signs of being overly stiff or floppy, toe walking, or an uneven gait, as these may be symptoms of a motor condition that could be addressed with physical therapy.

What To Do If Your Child Might Benefit from Early Intervention

If you recognize any of these signs in your child, they may qualify for free physical therapy through the early intervention program. Early intervention helps children develop the skills they need to thrive throughout their lives, and trains and equips parents to be part of this important process. The first step to receive early intervention services, including physical therapy, is to request an evaluation. Learn more about the evaluation process and how to get started.