PEDIATRIC THERAPY

Give your child more independence in daily activities

Our pediatric therapy experts are dedicated to improving your child’s independence in everyday activities. Perham Health’s occupational, physical, and speech therapists have specialized training in treating children with needs such as:

Autism Spectrum Disorders/PDD
High and low tone disorders, such as cerebral palsy
Brain injury
Attention Deficit Disorder
Orthopedic conditions
Developmental Delays
Physical Disabilities
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Torticollis
Complex medical history affecting development

How pediatric therapy can elevate your child’s everyday life

Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathologists treat individuals of all ages who have a wide variety of abilities and disabilities. Some of the conditions treated include:

* Speech Production: Problems in this area affect how a child says sounds and how well they can be understood by others when talking. These are sometimes called articulation disorders, phonological disorders, apraxia of speech or motor speech disorders.

* Language: Problems in this area affect how well a child understands what they hear or read (receptive language) and how well a person uses words to tell others what they are thinking or feeling (expressive language).

* Social Communication/Pragmatics: Problems in this area affect how well a child follows unspoken social rules of communication like turn-taking, eye contact, etc.

* Voice and Resonance: Problems in this area affect how a child’s voice sounds. Sometimes individuals can have problems with their voice that make them sound too loud or too soft, breathy, hoarse, or harsh. Sometimes children have problems with too much or too little air getting into their nose during speech.

* Fluency: Problems in this area are often called stuttering. Fluency refers to how smooth speech is or how well it flows. Many young children go through a normal period of stuttering that they typically outgrow within 1 to 2 years after it appears for the first time. This usually happens around the time children are in preschool or kindergarten.

* Cognitive-Communication: Problems in this area affect how well a person’s mind works. This can mean difficulty with short and long-term memory, attention, solving problems, organizing thoughts and other thinking skills.

* Feeding and Swallowing: Problems in this area affect how well a child’s mouth and throat work when chewing and swallowing different foods and liquids. Babies may have problems with drinking from a bottle or an open cup. Sometimes children have trouble moving their tongue or lips or may cough or choke when they eat or drink certain foods and liquids.

Whether your child has no known medical diagnosis, a lifelong condition or needs care following a serious injury, a speech-language pathologist can address speech problems and other complications to help them better communicate and navigate their world.

Physical Therapy

* Strength: Strength is the ability of muscles to generate force and we improve strength with fun activities and kid play with our pediatric patients. Physical therapy focuses on building both muscular strength and endurance through resistance training, weight-bearing exercises, and other techniques. Improved muscle strength helps individuals perform daily activities more easily, enhances athletic performance, and reduces the risk of injuries.

* Balance: Balance is the ability to maintain the body’s center of gravity within its base of support. Good balance is crucial for all physical activities, from standing and walking to more complex movements like dancing or playing sports. Physical therapists use balance exercises, proprioceptive training, and stabilization techniques to help individuals improve their balance, preventing falls and increasing confidence in movement.

* Coordination: Coordination is the ability to execute smooth, accurate, and controlled movements. Physical therapy enhances coordination by working on the integration of sensory information with motor control. Therapists use exercises that challenge the timing, sequencing, and execution of movements, improving the ability to perform complex tasks that require precise motor control.

* Motor Planning: Motor planning, or praxis, involves the ability to conceive, plan, and execute new movements. It is a cognitive process that integrates sensory information with motor execution. Physical therapists help individuals improve motor planning by using activities that require problem-solving, sequencing, and adapting movements to different situations, which is especially beneficial for children and adults with developmental or neurological disorders.

* Posture: Posture refers to the alignment of the body’s segments in relation to each other and to the environment. Good posture minimizes strain on the muscles and joints, reducing the risk of pain and injury. Physical therapy addresses postural imbalances through exercises that strengthen the core, improve flexibility, and educate individuals on proper body mechanics and ergonomics.

* Gait/Walking and Functional Mobility: Gait analysis and training focus on the mechanics of walking and other forms of functional mobility. Physical therapists assess and address issues with walking patterns, including stride length, cadence, and symmetry. They use exercises, assistive devices, and other interventions to improve walking efficiency, safety, and independence, enhancing overall mobility and quality of life.

* Assist with Equipment Needs: Physical therapists help individuals select, fit, and learn to use adaptive equipment and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, standers, and prosthetics. They ensure that the equipment meets the individual’s needs, promotes independence, and prevents further injury by providing training and adjustments as necessary.

* Play Skills: For children, physical therapy often includes play-based activities that promote motor development, social interaction, and cognitive skills. Play therapy helps improve coordination, strength, balance, and fine motor skills in a fun and engaging way, encouraging children to participate actively and enjoy the therapeutic process.

* Muscle Tone and Range of Motion: Muscle tone refers to the continuous and passive partial contraction of muscles, while range of motion is the extent of movement around a joint. Physical therapy addresses abnormalities in muscle tone (such as spasticity or flaccidity) and works to improve joint flexibility through stretching, mobilization, and specific exercises, enhancing functional movement and reducing discomfort.

* Myofascial Release: Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to relieve pain and restore motion. Physical therapists use myofascial release to treat conditions like chronic pain, muscle tightness, and restricted movement, improving overall tissue health and function.

By addressing these various aspects, physical therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing an individual’s physical capabilities, reducing pain, and improving quality of life.

Occupational Therapy

* Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills: Occupational therapy helps individuals develop and improve fine motor skills, which are crucial for tasks like handwriting, buttoning, and using utensils. Therapists use various exercises and activities to strengthen hand muscles, enhance dexterity, and improve hand-eye coordination, leading to better handwriting and overall fine motor abilities.

* Self-Regulation Skills to Address Behavioral Outbursts: Self-regulation skills are essential for managing emotions and behaviors effectively. Occupational therapists work with individuals to develop strategies for self-regulation, such as deep breathing, sensory activities, and structured routines. These techniques help reduce behavioral outbursts and improve emotional control.

* Motor Skills: Motor skills refer to the abilities required to control the large and small muscles of the body for movement and coordination. Physical therapy helps develop both gross motor skills (like running, jumping, and climbing) and fine motor skills (such as writing, buttoning a shirt, and using utensils). Through targeted exercises and activities, physical therapy enhances muscle strength, coordination, and the integration of sensory inputs, leading to better motor performance.

* Sensory Processing: Sensory processing involves the way the nervous system receives and interprets sensory information. Occupational therapists help individuals who have difficulty processing sensory input by using sensory integration techniques. These methods aim to improve how the brain processes and responds to sensory stimuli, enhancing overall sensory functioning.

* Increasing Participation in Functional Play: Functional play is vital for the development of social, cognitive, and motor skills in children. Occupational therapists encourage participation in functional play through activities that are both enjoyable and therapeutic. This approach helps children develop essential skills while engaging in play, promoting overall development and well-being.

* Coordination: Coordination involves the ability to execute smooth and controlled movements. Occupational therapy improves coordination by working on the integration of sensory and motor functions. Therapists use exercises and activities that challenge coordination, helping individuals perform tasks that require precise and synchronized movements.

* Assisting Individuals with Physical Disabilities: Occupational therapists support individuals with physical disabilities by helping them develop skills and strategies to perform daily activities. They provide adaptive techniques, modify environments, and recommend assistive devices to enhance independence and improve the quality of life for those with physical limitations.

* Helping to Access Wheelchair Needs: Occupational therapists assist individuals in selecting, fitting, and using wheelchairs that meet their specific needs. They ensure that the wheelchair is comfortable, functional, and appropriate for the individual’s lifestyle, enhancing mobility and independence.

* Toileting Skills: Developing toileting skills is essential for independence. Occupational therapists work with individuals to establish routines, use adaptive equipment, and develop the necessary motor skills for successful toileting. This training helps individuals achieve greater independence in managing personal care.

* Social Skills: Social skills are crucial for effective communication and interaction with others. Occupational therapists help individuals develop these skills through role-playing, social stories, and group activities. Improved social skills lead to better relationships and increased participation in social activities.

* Dressing Skills: Dressing skills involve the ability to put on and take off clothes independently. Occupational therapists teach techniques and use adaptive equipment to help individuals develop these skills. Improved dressing skills enhance independence and self-care abilities.

* Feeding Skills: Feeding skills are necessary for eating independently and safely. Occupational therapists work with individuals to develop the motor skills and coordination needed for feeding. They also address issues related to swallowing and nutrition, ensuring safe and effective feeding practices.

* Cooking and Cleaning Skills: Occupational therapists help individuals develop the skills required for cooking and cleaning. This training includes teaching safety techniques, organization, and step-by-step processes for completing household tasks. These skills are essential for independent living and daily functioning.

* Organization Skills and Executive Functioning: Organization skills and executive functioning are critical for managing daily activities and achieving goals. Occupational therapists help individuals develop strategies for planning, organizing, and completing tasks. Improved executive functioning leads to better time management, decision-making, and overall productivity.

By addressing these various aspects, occupational therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, manage behaviors, and improve overall quality of life.

Pediatric Free Screening Program

Your child’s first years set the foundation for successful learning and growing. We offer a free screening for children ages 0 – 5 that consists of parent interview and child observation by trained therapists in speech/language, occupational, and physical therapy to address any questions or concerns about your child’s development.

Screenings are age-specific and cover all the basic and brand new skills children typically develop during the first years of life, such as: