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),…
Spring Break Activities That Challenge Your Children By Brittany Ricciardi PT, DPT, PCS Kids Place Central Clinic Manager and Pediatric Physical Therapist Spring break is just around the corner! Are you nervous? Many parents are often challenged with ideas and activities to keep their children busy. Here are a couple that are not only fun…
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 As a new mother to a beautiful baby boy born January 9, 2018, 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 a newborn. Here are some tips and tricks that…
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…
