Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

The Rehabilitation Services Department at CHOC provides orthopaedic and sports-related physical therapy for children and young adults. All of our therapies are designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. Our therapists work to return patients to their prior activity level and help them return to physical education classes, playing with peers and being active in the community. We help children increase their mobility, cope with their injury and educate the family and child about how long it will take to return to the activities they love. A child’s job is to play, and after orthopaedic surgery that job becomes far more difficult. Our therapists’ main goal is getting kids back outside doing what they love.

We know a physical therapy program is time-consuming and can be disruptive to a family’s busy lifestyle. Our team will strive to accommodate your family as we help you return to your normal activities.

Spine Physical Therapy

Our pediatric-trained physical therapists provide exercise programs and other methods that address the pain and muscular imbalance that can be associated with scoliosis and other spinal conditions, while maximizing physical function and ability. We use exercise-based techniques to improve back pain and help patients recover from surgery.

Sports Rehabilitation

When it comes to treating athletes, our pediatric physical therapists address the needs of young and maturing athletes who suffer from sports-related injuries or want to prevent injuries and improve athletic performance. Board-certified in orthopaedic and sports medicine rehabilitation, our team develops individual plans to prevent and treat any injury that can happen in recreational or competitive sports. Through one-on-one evaluations and treatment sessions, we maximize the potential of each young athlete to effectively, efficiently and safely return to play. Learn more about our sports injury treatments and tips for prevention.

Limb Rehabilitation

Orthopedic physical therapy is critically important for children undergoing limb lengthening procedures.  When a limb is lengthened, the bone, muscles and surrounding soft tissue must lengthen with it. At CHOC, our physical therapists have special training in limb rehabilitation and know the proper techniques for ensuring a child’s recovery, as well as for preventing injuries such as fractures, nerve damage and muscle contractures.

Depending on a doctor’s orders and the patient’s needs, a physical therapy program may be as often as five times per week, for six to nine months, until a child returns to his or her normal activities. Sessions may include land therapy or pool therapy to address pain and issues such as weakness, tightness and instability. CHOC child life specialists and pet therapy volunteers may be available to help put children more at ease as they progress through their therapy program. A home exercise program is also prescribed to build on the progress made in therapy and ensure a good recovery. Learn more about our limb program.