Physical Therapy

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.

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.