The Importance of Crawling for Babies and Older Children by Lauren Bacsalmasi, DPT Kids Place Central Pediatric Physical Therapist Frequently, we hear from parents of children who start walking without crawling, or they only scooted on their bottoms. It is important that children, even ones who are already walking, learn the skill of crawling and…
Yoga for Kids by Julia Meriwether Student of Physical Therapy The fundamental purpose of yoga is to promote balance in the body, mind, and environment. It is a low-impact form of physical activity which includes breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), relaxation and meditation. Yoga at an early age encourages self-esteem and body awareness with physical…
Understanding the Diaphragm by Brittany Witherell Student Physical Therapist The diaphragm is an important organ we use to breathe. Although breathing is the diaphragm’s primary function, did you know it has many more important functions? It also helps with postural control which helps us stand tall and balance. It also plays a vital role in…
Developing Healthy Sitting Babies by Kim Ellison, PT, DPT, C/NDT Kids Place Pediatric Physical Therapist Moms, dads, caregivers – you all share in the dance of balancing chores along with the care and development of your infant. Tummy Time is extremely important for development, and so is working on sitting! When your baby is not…
The Best Way to Hold and Carry Your Baby Holding your baby is one of the most joyous and relaxing experiences. It is during these special moments you will bond and enjoy memories of cute smiles, initial communication, and quiet gazing upon your precious baby sleeping in your arms. During the first year of life,…
What is pediatric physical therapy? Pediatric physical therapist work with a variety of children ranging from babies with torticollis or delay, orthopedic sports injuries, and children with delays due to diagnoses such as cerebral palsy and autism. Pediatric PTs help to improve gross motor skills, walking pattern, strength, balance, coordination, and motor planning through a…
My Child is Walking! Now What? by Jeanette Mangano, PT, DPT, PCS Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Your new baby begins to walk for the first time! How exciting! Walking is a very important motor milestone for many families. But after your child begins to walk – now what? Often, we are asked what…
Rehabilitation Following a Stroke by Mariah Devries, DPT Kids Place West Physical Therapist A stroke is defined as a period in time where the brain does not receive sufficient oxygenation, resulting in death of brain cells. A stroke may produce resulting impairments including changes in strength, weakness on one side of the body, altered sensation,…
Oodles of Fun with Pool Noodles by Bobbi Michels, PT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Did you know you can enjoy your pool noodle year-round using it to get some exercise on land until it is time to enjoy it in the pool? Pool noodles are so much fun to use on land. I…
Container Baby Syndrome & Tummy Time by Kids Place Pediatric Physical Therapists The first year of life is critical for your baby to acquire gross motor skills such as gaining head control, ability to roll, crawl, sit, stand, and walk in order to efficiently explore her environment. Primitive reflexes like asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR),…
