Midline Crossing Activities by Jessica Tallent, OTR/L Kids Place West Pediatric Occupational Therapist The midline is the term used to describe the invisible line at the middle of the body which goes from the head to the feet. When children participate in activities that require them to cross the midline, connections in the brain are…
Ask the Therapist: Heat or Ice? Heat or ice? It’s one of the most common questions we receive. While it is difficult to generalize all pain and injuries, there are a few simple rules that you can follow to help in your recovery. Ice is most appropriate for initial (or acute) stages of an injury.…
Start Reading Early With Your Child Most people are familiar with the notion that reading to your child regularly is beneficial. But when should you start? Reading comprehension and the ability to follow along do not come until age 4 or 5 (depending on the child), but the value of guided reading can be seen…
Why Babies Wear Helmets by Nicole Campbell, PT, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Ever noticed a baby wearing a helmet and wondered why? The short answer is to help shape their head. Babies are born with ‘soft spots’ or bones in their skull that have not fused together. This is so a baby…
Opt Outside – Take a Hike By Matt Flanagan, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Exercise is good for us. We all know that, or at least we should, because it is! While there are numerous forms of exercise, there is no right way. There are guidelines, though. The American College of Sports Medicine states adults…
Anxiety Concerns in Children Childhood – a time when one is carefree with no worries to keep them up at night. Unfortunately that is not the case for all children. Anxiety is thought to be a disorder that only affects adults, when in reality one can be diagnosed with a form of anxiety at the…
What is Aquatic Therapy and How it Helps by Jordan Ribota, PT, DPT AzOPT Buckeye Doctor of Physical Therapy Aquatic therapy, quite simply put, is using the physical qualities of water (or a pool in most cases) as a form of rehab or exercise. Once your physical therapist and you determine aquatic therapy is best…
Adaptive Sport Programs and Recreation Resources for Children with Disabilities Individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities experience problems with their overall health including higher rates of obesity when compared to their typically developing peers. Obesity is a worldwide health concern that is not often tracked in children and youth with disabilities over their lifespan. Children…
Strength Training is for Everyone, Regardless of Age Exercise is an important aspect of overall health and wellness. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends adults participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least five days each week. However, most adults do not follow this recommendation. Furthermore, we should be…
Holiday Gifts to Encourage Improvements in Gross Motor Skills by Danielle Burke, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Infants Pop Up Toys: Encourage reaching in multiple developmental positions such as quadruped (hands and knees), tall kneeling, and standing. (pictured toy $25 on Amazon) Floor Activity Mirror: Encourages child to look up while on their…
