Pediatric Physical Therapy

At UnityPoint Health - Meriter, children participate in physical therapy for:

• Developmental concerns
• Congenital conditions
• Acute injuries or symptoms

Our therapy and treatment services are designed to meet the families' needs. Therapy often incorporates play, games, art and music during exercise and learning activities.

Family participation is highly encouraged at every step of the evaluation and treatment process. Families are directly involved in setting goals, working with the child in therapy sessions, and continuing therapy at home.

Conditions Treated

Physical therapists provide skilled services to children with a variety of diagnoses including:

• Down syndrome
• Brachial plexus injury
• Developmental delays
• Joint pain
• Torticollis/Plagiocephaly
• Coordination problems
• Poor balance
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction
• Gait disturbance
• Genetic disorders
• Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions
• Hypotonia/Hypertonia

Functional skills that may be addressed in physical therapy may include learning to sit, crawl, walk, jump, or ride a bike in order to maximize a child's independence. 

Depending on the child's needs, the physical therapist may address his or her balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, mobility and body awareness. Treatment is individualized and incorporates age-appropriate and fun activities to help children overcome limitations and achieve his or her full potential.