How to Cope with your Child’s Sensory Overload by Amanda Mazerall, OTR/L Kids Place East Clinic Manager and Pediatric Occupational Therapist Anyone who has children understands that emotions are a part of everyday life. While upset behaviors can often be labeled as “tantrums” stemming from a child not getting their way, sensory overload can often…
Should I Start Physical Therapy Before Surgery? We hear it all the time – “I’m having surgery anyways.” “I’ll wait until after surgery.” “It hurts to move now so you can’t really help me.” But the truth is, pre-operative rehabilitation (or pre-hab), can be just as important as the surgery. Read on to find out…
The Importance of Climbing for Kids Children begin climbing early in life to explore their environment. This can start as soon as a baby starts to crawl or pull up to stand. As a child ages, they may climb surfaces to copy other children or just to engage in play. General Benefits of Climbing and…
Q&A with Ryann Roberts, PT, DPT, & AzOPT Owner Arizona Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AzOPT) was established in 2007 in Goodyear. After working many years for other physical therapy practices, Ryann believed there was a better approach to physical therapy than packing a therapist’s schedule and using techs to guide his patients’ experience. Ryann wanted a…
What is Vestibular Therapy? People often don’t realize how large the scope of physical therapy practice can be. There are many different domains including orthopedics, geriatrics, cardiopulmonary, pediatrics and more. One unique niche of physical therapy is vestibular rehabilitation. What is vestibular therapy exactly? It’s an exercise-based treatment program that works to improve your sense…
Should You Be Worried About Gross Motor Delays in Your Child? Your pediatrician tells you that your newborn is at risk for gross motor delays. What are gross motor delays? A gross motor delay refers to the large motor movements of the body and the ability to move through space. In practical terms, this…
Celebrate National Physical Therapy Month with Activity! This October, we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM)! NPTM is an awareness celebration held each October by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to recognize the important roles physical therapists play in restoring and improving motion in people’s lives. Nobody understands this more than the “Active Adult”…
Get a (Pencil) Grip! Does your child hold a pencil in an awkward manner? Does your child struggle with fatigue or pain with drawing, writing, or coloring activities? If so, you may be wondering: “Should I get a pencil grip for my child to help with their grasp on a pencil?” The short answer: maybe.…
What is a joint mobilization? Joint mobilization, often called a manipulation, is a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint, using high-velocity, low amplitude (HLVA) thrusting maneuvers. Often associated with chiropractors, this technique has been used by a variety of practitioners throughout history and has evolved with time, experience and study. But did you…
The Sleepytime Struggle: 5 Sleep Tips for Children Sleep is a vital part of a child’s life to promote growth and development. Optimal sleep impacts a child’s readiness to participate in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Oftentimes, a child will have difficulty with the skills of going to bed and getting enough sleep, resulting…
