Pediatric Orthotics – Why the Heel? by Kids Place Central Pediatric Physical Therapists As pediatric physical therapists, we often recommend a child be evaluated and fit for a pair of ankle-foot orthotics or AFOs. AFOs are plastic devices created by a certified orthoptist, custom made to control certain parts of an extremity, guide specific movements,…
Balance Games for the Home by Jeanette Mangano, PT, DPT, PCS Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Balance is an important aspect in our ability to navigate environments safely and effectively. Balance training is something that we need to practice throughout our lives. Here are some fun ways that your kids and you can practice…
Newborn Tummy Time by Nicole Campbell, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist As a new mother to a beautiful baby boy born January 9, I understand the difficulties parents have incorporating tummy time at the home. If you have not already heard by now, tummy time is very important for your child’s development, even…
Tips and Tricks for Learning how to Ride a Bike By Nicole Campbell, PT, DPT and Megan Schwengler, Student Physical Therapist Teaching your child to ride a bike is very exciting but very challenging. Each child learns differently. Often we are asked, “When is a good time to start?” Or what is the best way…
Pool Play for Active Movement By Bobbi Michels, PT, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Active movement in water, also known as aquatic therapy, is used to reduce pain, improve joint range of motion, provide cardiovascular conditioning, improve strength, and assist balance skills. As an added benefit, water provides support for low impact exercises…
Ugh, It Is Too Hot Outside and My Children Are Going Stir Crazy By: Teri Roberts, DPT Kids Place Owner and Pediatric Physical Therapist An Arizona summer can pose a difficult challenge trying to keep children active, yet safe. Without a pool, I often find myself telling my two children it is too hot to…
The Long Term Dangers of W-sitting By Teri Roberts, DPT Kids Place Owner and Pediatric Physical Therapist One of the greatest milestones achieved during a baby’s first year of life is sitting. This is an enormous progression towards independence for the child and the parent. Sitting is typically learned around 5 months of age through…
What is Typical Leg Alignment in Early Childhood? by Jeanette Mangano, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Your child will go through many significant changes in the structure and alignment of their legs throughout their development. Alignment is an important contributing factor to your child standing and walking. Often, parents will ask me if…
Taekwondo’s Positive Impact on Child Development by Jessica Raykovich, SPT Student Physical Therapist Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that has been around for hundreds of years. It stands for Tae=foot/leg, Kwon=fist/fight, and Do=way or discipline. It incorporates various forms of kicking, punching, and blocking all while teaching discipline and respect. So should it…
Orthotic Friendly Shoes By Brittany Ricciardi, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Finding fashionable shoes that fit over a Supra Malleolar Orthosis (SMO) and Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) easily is a daunting task. When looking for shoes, it is recommended to find a wider shoe. But frequently, these shoes are bulky in order to accommodate…
