Children’s Physical Therapy in Illinois

Physical development in newborns consists mostly of reflexive movements. As a baby develops, movements become more smooth and coordinated. The continuation of physical development in older children is important for the improvement of their gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, range of motions and endurance. If you have any questions about your child’s physical development, you should contact a licensed Physical Therapist.

Physical Therapy

Why Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy promotes independence, increases participation, facilitates motor development and function, improves strength, enhances learning opportunities and eases caregiving by facilitating the following:

  • Gross Motor Development
  • Balance and Coordination
  • Progressive Mobility
  • Postural Alignment
  • Neuro-Developmental Facilitation
  • Acquisition of Necessary Durable Medical Equipment
  • Acquisition of Quality Orthotics

Does My Child Need Physical Therapy?

A Physical Therapy evaluation may be appropriate if any of the following are noted:

  • Noticeable Increase or Decrease in Muscle Tone
  • Asymmetrical Body Movements
  • Excessive Crossing of the Legs or “Stiff Legs”
  • Lack of Movement, Decreased Motivation or Disinterest to Move

Additionally, below are some common benchmarks to observe. If any of these benchmarks are not being met, it may be indicative of the need for an evaluation:

3 Months

  • Starts to gain control of head at midline
  • Takes Weight on Forearms – Tummy Lying
  • Does Random Swiping, Kicking and Batting

4 Months

  • Lifts shoulders off of surface when in prone with forearm weight bearing
  • Hands to Midline

5 Months

  • Rolls to side and prone to supine
  • Reaches with upper extremity in prone
  • Lifts head in supine
  • Bridges

6 Months

  • Sits with upper extremity support
  • Rolls supine to prone
  • Brings bilateral feet to mouth
  • Grasp and transfer objects

7 Months

  • Crawling on hands and knees; stomach may still be in contact with the surface

8 Months

  • Sits alone unsupported
  • Starts pulling to stand

9 Months

  • Cruising emerges
  • Throws things to the ground
  • Sits back from hands and knees position

12 Months

  • Pulls to stand through 1/2 kneel
  • Plays in side sit
  • Creeps over obstacles and up 2 steps

15 to 17 Months

  • Walks independently
  • Walks holding objects
  • Begins walking upstairs with railing

18 to 23 Months

  • Jumps up 2 inches
  • Stoops or squats to play or get toy
  • Runs 10 feet

2 to 3 Years

  • Stands on one foot 1 to 3 seconds
  • Hops 3 times
  • Jumps off 1 step or higher

Physical therapy can help children who have the following diagnoses:

  • Autism Spectrum
  • Developmental Delay
  • Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
  • Prematurity
  • Sensory Dysfunction
  • Torticollis
  • Neurological Impairment
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Hemiplegia
  • Spina Bifida
  • Orthopedic Disorders or Injury
  • Genetic Disorders
  • Vision Impairments
  • Gross Motor Deficits
  • Pediatric Obesity

Contact Us

Please feel free to reach out to Kids Therapy if you have any questions about your child’s development or if you need further information about Physical Therapy

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