Pediatric Physical Therapy FAQs

What are the benefits of pediatric physical therapy?

Early Intervention has numerous benefits! Pediatric Physical Therapy can help ensure optimal and symmetrical development of muscles and prevent future injuries or coordination difficulties. Pediatric Physical Therapy helps children play and move and reach their optimal potential. For children with mobility impairments we can help navigate the best equipment needs for your child.

Will my child need a referral from a pediatrician to see a pediatric physical therapist?

No, we can do a free screen or evaluation without a referral. Once treatment is initiated, if extended services are indicated we will work with you to obtain the necessary physician referrals.

How much does pediatric physical therapy cost, and does insurance cover it?

We have patients from all major insurances. Insurance is complicated and this answer will vary for each client. We recommend a meet and greet to learn about your individualized needs and recommendations and that will dictate cost/coverage.

How do I prepare my child for their first pediatric physical therapy appointment?

It is always a good idea to prepare children for a new experience. You can let them know they are going to a fun appointment where there will be toys and games and a new therapist who will help them feel and move better!

Can pediatric physical therapy prevent surgery?

This is patient and diagnosis specific. Physical therapy can help prevent surgery, or if surgery continues to be indicated it can help ensure optimal outcomes and faster recovery after surgery.

Are there any risks associated with pediatric physical therapy?

If your therapist is well trained, there are not a lot of risks to physical therapy. There may be muscle soreness or some mild redness in areas of focus that should improve within 24-48 hours after the session.

Pediatric Physical Therapy

At CompleoKids, our physical therapists put the fun in FUNctional! Our Doctors of Pediatric Physical Therapy help your children work on mobility, strength, balance, and neuromuscular retraining to allow children to enjoy an improved quality of life and do what they do best, play! If you have questions about your child’s motor skills, let the movement experts help you. We treat all ages birth to 18 (and our adult side treats 18+).

Conditions We Treat With Pediatric Physical Therapy

Plagiocephaly (Flat Head)
Torticollis (Tight Neck Muscles)
Delayed Milestones
Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
Scoliosis
Cerebral Palsy
Traumatic Brain Injury
Gait Abnormalities
Down Syndrome
Pre/Post Lung Transplant
Spinal Cord Injury
Equipment Evaluations
Cerebral Vascular Injury
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Toe Walking
Oncology
Cardiac Transplant
Medically Complex Diagnoses
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Prematurity
Congenital Limb Discrepancy and Amputations
Spina bifida
Visual/Motor/Perceptual Development
Chronic Pain Disorders
Hypermobility
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Body Work Pre/Post Release of Tethered Oral Tissues

Pediatric Physical Therapy Treatments and Services

Connective Tissue Mobilization and Myofascial Release
Joint Mobilization
Orthotics consultation and recommendations
Gait Training
Balance and Coordination Training
Neuromuscular Retraining
Strength and Conditioning
Transfer and Mobility Training
Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Retraining
Therapeutic Exercises
Electrical Stimulation
Car seat screens and evaluations by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
Consultation for helmet needs/cranial orthosis for head shape

When Should I Seek out Care from a Pediatric Physical Therapist?

If your child experiences pain, injury, is differently abled, or struggling with mobility we are here to help you. If you notice your child is struggling with movement, coordination, demonstrates a regression of skills, or a plateau in skills, a pediatric physical therapy evaluation might be indicated. We advocate for early intervention and education over a “wait and see” approach. Our pediatric physical therapists will do a screen if you are unsure if services are needed, if we know you are ready to initiate therapy we can go straight to a full evaluation.

The Ideal Environment for Pediatric Physical Therapy

At CompleoKids, our goal is for your child to feel safe and have fun while working. Our team of Pediatric Physical Therapists all have specialized pediatric training and experience. Our pediatric gym is fully equipped with games and toys to make this experience fun for your child. We have private treatment rooms and spaces to utilize to ensure a calm environment. We don’t want your child to feel overwhelmed by working in a crowded gym. We know you want the best for your child and will settle for nothing less, and neither will we.

What to Expect in Pediatric Physical Therapy

A caring and invested pediatric physical therapist who has your best interest at heart
Consistency and Quality: Your care will be consistently provided by the same Doctor of Physical Therapy. Your child building trust and a bond is critical to their success. At Compleo, we don’t use pediatric physical therapy assistants or aides and all our physical therapists are experienced, well trained, and continue to pursue quality continuing education yearly.
Manual interventions: Your pediatric physical therapist will provide hands on techniques to release tight muscles, facilitate proper muscle activation, and facilitate improved motor patterns
Neuromotor retraining and strengthening
Working with your pediatric physical therapist to create functional goals that will make your life and your child’s life easier
45-60 Minute sessions unless your child has endurance or other impairments in which case we will consider 30 minute sessions
Frequency of sessions will be determined by parent and physical therapist together based on level of impairment and what is indicated for your child
Home Exercise Follow Up: It is important for your child to learn how to incorporate what they learn with our pediatric physical therapists into the real world, we are your guide and bridge for these connections. Your therapist will discuss with you home exercises and ways to carry over clinic skills to real life skills. We promise we won’t give you more than a few minutes a day of homework!

Do I need a Doctor’s Referral to initiate pediatric physical therapy?

No! In the state of Texas, pediatric physical therapists are allowed to initiate care without a physician referral.

Not sure if your child is on track with their milestones or if therapy is indicated? Contact us at 254-892-4957 or visit compleowaco.janeapp.com to set up a free screen today!

Click Here for a FREE Baby Milestones Handout!

For Quick Tips, Check out our blog posts listed below:

5 Questions for a Pediatric PT

Your Childs Pain is Real: We Can Help

Tips & Tricks to Make Tummy Time a Success

Toe Walking: Cause for Concern?

Baby Registry Dos & Don’ts

What Items are Worth Investing in for You Nursery

PT Approved Toys & Devices for Your BabCy

we are movement experts

We know you want the best for your children and we will settle for nothing less. We are here to help your child move, play, and be a kid. As pediatric physical therapists we are your movement experts. We will access your child’s movement patterns and help them become stronger and more efficient. Our pediatric physical therapists have learned cutting-edge and up-to-date treatment interventions for your child. Not sure if your child is on track with their skills?

Our pediatric physical therapists can help your little reach their developmental milestones. Areas of treat include but are not limited to addressing toe walking, determining need for helmet and help treating plagiocephaly (flat spots on head), torticollis (tight neck muscles, preference for looking on direction), providing bodywork pre/post release of tethered oral tissues, scoliosis, chronic pain, cystic fibrosis, developmental delay, and orthopedic injury. Does our little need a jump start? Call us today for a free screening.

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Help your little reach their developmental milestones