Physical Therapy

Regular physical therapy provides your child with opportunities to reach optimal functional ability. Staff members include licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants, full and part-time. Flexible schedules allow for coverage for approximately 12 hours per day, Monday through Friday. The department also is involved in many aspects of your child’s care throughout the day.

Upon admission, a therapist will evaluate your child or young adult and establish an individualized therapy program. St. Mary’s medical director of rehabilitation (a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician) will order PT services based on a thorough evaluation and weekly direct and consult services. Quarterly reviews, annual meetings, and team meetings also are provided for all children.

Treatment may include activities and exercises for strengthening, stretching, range of motion, relaxation, endurance, head and trunk control, gait training, sensory integration and gross motor challenging. Services can be provided in the PT department, in the classroom and in the child’s bedroom. Specialized treatments to help spastic muscles relax include Botox injections and Baclofen medication pumps.