Infant Physical Therapy
Just like physical therapy for an adult, infant physical therapy starts with an evaluation of your baby's developmental skills & how they are moving. We also evaluate strength, range of motion, and reflexes.
Following the evaluation, physical therapy interventions usually include a combination of stretches and strengthening. And no, we don't have babies doing bicep curls (imagine!). We help them build the strength they need with their favorite activity: play!
Your physical therapist will identify activities that feel like play to your infant, but actually facilitate strength and assist them in accomplishing the skills we are working towards.
Plan of Care
This is your baby's physical therapy road map. Every infant is different and require different amounts of support, babies are amazing learners and can progress quickly! Typically, earlier intervention results in a shorter plan of care. For instance, babies with torticollis who come to physical therapy before 3 months old are in PT for less than 6 months.
How can I tell if my baby has a delay in their motor milestones? :
A great resource is pathways.org! In general the main motor milestones are as follows.
- By 3 months: pushes up on arms and is able to lift head up
- By 6 months: is able to sit with hands supporting and rolls in either direction
- By 9 months: is able to sit and reach for toys and moves from tummy or back to sitting
- By 12 months: pulls to stand, moves along using furniture for support, is able to stand and can take a few independent steps
- By 15 months: walks independently with minimal falls and squats to pick up a toy
If you're unsure if physical therapy is what your baby needs, schedule a free phone consultation with us to discuss your questions and concerns with a physical therapist to determine if this is the right step for you and your baby.