Physical Therapy
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Rehabilitation Referrals
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At CHOC, physical therapists work with patients from birth through age 21 to make life easier by using therapeutic exercise and handling to increase movement and function. Physical therapy helps children, teens and young adults become more independent; improve motor development and function; improve strength and endurance; enhance learning opportunities and eases the challenges of daily caregiving.
Pediatric physical therapists specialize in caring for children and creating a fun and therapeutic environment that allows the child to reach their full potential while giving the family peace of mind.
Getting Started: Physical Therapy at CHOC
The physical therapists at CHOC are dedicated to providing the very best patient- and family-centered care. The child’s caregivers (parents or legal guardians) are key in the child’s development. Physical therapists work with caregivers to put together a physical therapy plan designed to meet the patient’s needs, help coordinate services the patient may need and provide the child’s family with instructions on how they can support therapy goals at home. This can include:
- Teaching family members how to handle and position the child during daily routines and activities.
- Adapting toys for play.
- Information on how to use equipment and keep the child safe at home and in the community.
- Providing information on the child’s physical and healthcare needs.
- Easing the transitions from early childhood to school and into adult life.
Outpatient Physical Therapy
Outpatient physical therapy is typically specialized for patients with:
- Movement and coordination disorders
- Developmental delays
- Concussion management
- Cancer treatment
- Rheumatology treatment
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)
Inpatient Physical Therapy
Our inpatient pediatric rehabilitation team at CHOC helps infants to young adults improve physical, mental or behavioral function after injury, illness or surgery Typically, inpatient rehabilitation is for children who have already been hospitalized, and, or, require more hands-on assistance from our in-unit staff. Children who may benefit from inpatient physical therapy include:
- Motor conditions, such as cerebral palsy
- Genetic conditions, such as muscular dystrophy
- Neurologic conditions
- Orthopaedic and sports-related conditions
- Severe illness following prolonged hospitalization
Physical therapy may also be provided to premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or babies and young children receiving follow-up care at the High-Risk Infant Follow-up Clinic.
The physical therapists at CHOC carefully work with patients to ensure they use the very best treatment options for each child’s age, development and needs. In our state-of-the-art facility, we are able to provide a variety of innovative approaches to physical therapy, from developmental to orthopedic, including conditions ranging from the spine to hand to foot, and everything in between. For more information on physical therapy at CHOC, contact the Rehabilitation Services Department.
The CHOC Rehabilitation team is proud to offer biofeedback and myofascial release for patients who qualify.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique used for helping an individual become conscious of otherwise unconscious bodily processes so that the individual can gain some control over these processes and learn to manage the effects of various disorders. It is noninvasive, which means it does not go inside the patients body.
Biofeedback is most often used with instruments that measure blood pressure, brain waves (EEG), breathing rate, heart rate, muscle tension, skin conductivity of electricity, and skin temperature. Hooked up with electrodes to electronic monitoring equipment, a patient’s breath rate, rhythm and volume; perspiration; skin temperature; blood pressure and heartbeat are measured. The results are displayed on a computer screen. Once a patient’s body signals are recorded with the electronic devices, a biofeedback technician may recommend both physical and mental exercises to gain control. Biofeedback technicians are trained and nationally certified.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release involves a gentle form of stretching and compression. Also referred to as “soft tissue mobilization” or “MFR,” this special therapy releases the uneven tightness in injured fascia. Fascia is the dense, tough tissue that surrounds and covers the body’s organs, muscles and bones.
Normally, the fascia is relaxed and soft and can stretch without restriction. However, following physical trauma or inflammation, fascia can become stiff and become a sense of tension throughout the body. Myofascial release is different from massage, which focuses on muscles. This approach treats the causes of pain, not just the symptoms.