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What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Kids?

Apr 15th, 2024 | by Jessica Hernandez, PT, DPT

Jessica Hernandez, PT, DPT

April 15th, 2024

What is Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy focuses on exercises and activities that target specific muscles and movements to support strength, mobility, and overall development. Think of it as a customized personal training program designed by experts in pediatric conditions and injuries.

Because children are growing, early intervention physical therapy is especially important to address any concerns early and support healthy development.

In this blog, we share everything you need to know about the benefits of physical therapy for kids, what to expect, and how NAPA’s world-class methods and therapists can make a difference for your family.

Does My Child Need Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy helps children build strength, coordination, balance, and functional mobility, supporting their growth and independence. Whether your child is recovering from an injury, working to meet developmental milestones, or managing a condition like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, physical therapy can help them achieve their goals.

Kids can absolutely benefit from physical therapy. Learn more in this blog post!

Physical therapy supports children who may face challenges with movement, coordination, or motor development. Your child might benefit from physical therapy if:

  • They are not meeting gross motor developmental milestones (e.g., rolling, sitting, standing, walking).
  • They have difficulty keeping up with their peers during play and are not able to perform the same gross motor tasks (e.g., hopping, jumping, skipping).
  • They walk on their toes or in an atypical manner.
  • They have a strong preference for turning their head to one side or using one side of their body.
  • They frequently trip and fall when walking.
  • They complain of pain when performing gross motor tasks.
  • They’ve experienced an injury or surgery that impacts mobility.

Physical therapy can also address specific conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, hypotonia, and more.

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Kids?

Some key benefits of pediatric physical therapy include:

  • Enhancing gross motor skills like crawling, jumping, and running.
  • Strengthening muscles and improving joint range of motion.
  • Supporting balance, coordination, and postural control.
  • Preventing injuries by addressing muscle imbalances and weaknesses.
  • Promoting overall wellness through guided movement and exercise.
  • Physical therapy doesn’t just help kids physically—it can also boost their mental well-being. By improving their ability to move and interact with the world, children gain confidence, independence, and self-esteem.

By improving their ability to move and interact with the world, children gain confidence, independence, and self-esteem.

What Can Physical Therapy Help My Child Improve On?

At NAPA, our pediatric physical therapists work with you to set meaningful goals. Common areas of focus include:

  • Range of Motion – How far joints can bend or strengthen.
  • Strength – Building the ability to move against gravity.
  • Balance – Improving stability and protective responses.
  • Reflexes – Addressing automatic responses seen in infants.
  • Posture – Encouraging proper body alignment in various positions.

What’s Included in NAPA’s Pediatric Therapy Services?

At NAPA, we provide comprehensive pediatric physical therapy services tailored to your child’s unique needs, offering both weekly and intensive therapy options. We utilize innovative methods like DMI, SpiderCage, and NeuroSuit to maximize results while keeping sessions fun and engaging. Our services include:

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility.
  • Developmental activities to support milestone achievement.
  • Balance and coordination exercises.
  • Gait training and posture improvement.
  • Evaluations for adaptive equipment and orthopedic devices.

NAPA’s Approach to Pediatric Physical Therapy

At NAPA Center, we believe that every child is unique and deserves an individualized therapy plan. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates physical, occupational, speech, and feeding therapy to address the whole child. With the most innovative techniques and tools from around the world, we aim to provide the best care possible for your child. We have multiple clinics throughout the US, the UK, and Australia, and continue to expand to serve more families.

Book a Free Phone Screening with a Physical Therapist

NAPA Center pediatric physical therapy clinics are located throughout the US, the UK, and Australia. Weekly & intensives. Learn more and get in touch with our team!

Interested in bringing your child to NAPA for weekly or intensive therapy? Book a free phone screening with one of our therapists to learn more and hear our personalized recommendations for your child. Welcome to the NAPA Family!

  • NAPA US Clinic Locations: Austin | Boston | Charlotte | Chicago | Denver | Los Angeles
  • NAPA International Clinic Locations: Australia – Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney | UK – London

Book Your Free Phone Screening →

About the Author

Jessica Hernandez is the Global Director of Intensive Training and Therapy at NAPA Center. Her proudest professional achievement has been collaborating with a diverse, dedicated team of therapists who inspire her to learn more, teach with heart, and lead with optimism.

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