5 Signs Your Child May Benefit from Physical Therapy
October is National Physical Therapy Month! As children grow, they reach important milestones that help them move, play, and explore the world around them. From learning to sit and walk to running, jumping, and climbing, these skills play an important role in everyday activities.
While every child develops at their own pace, some movement challenges may indicate a need for additional support. Pediatric physical therapy focuses on developing strength, balance, coordination, and mobility to help children participate in daily activities.
Here are five signs that may indicate your child could benefit from a physical therapy evaluation.
1. Delays in Reaching Motor Milestones
Rolling over, sitting, standing, and walking are important parts of early childhood development. While the timing of these milestones can vary, consistently missing expected motor milestones may be a reason to seek an evaluation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most children walk independently by 18 months and begin running by age 2.
If your child is not meeting expected milestones, talk with their pediatrician about your concerns. A pediatric physical therapist can evaluate movement skills and determine whether additional support may be beneficial.
2. Frequent Falling or Difficulty With Balance
Trips and falls are a normal part of learning to move, especially for young children. However, persistent difficulties with balance, frequent tripping, or trouble navigating stairs may warrant additional attention.
Balance and coordination are important for many everyday activities. Physical therapists can assess these skills and identify movement difficulties that may affect your child’s participation in daily routines and play.
3. Unusual Walking Patterns
Have you noticed your child frequently walking on their toes or developing an unusual walking pattern?
Some toe walking is common when children first learn to walk. However, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), toe walking that continues more than six months after a child’s first independent steps or begins as a new walking pattern should be evaluated.
A pediatric physical therapist can assess factors such as muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and walking mechanics to better understand what may be contributing to these patterns.
4. Difficulty With Running, Jumping, or Climbing
Activities like running, jumping, and climbing require strength, balance, and coordination.
Pediatric physical therapists help children develop gross motor skills and movement strategies that support participation in play, recreation, and daily activities.
5. Avoiding Physical Activities
Does your child frequently avoid playground equipment, active games, or activities involving movement?
There can be many reasons a child prefers certain activities over others. In some cases, however, avoidance may be related to difficulties with strength, balance, or coordination.
A physical therapist can evaluate your child’s movement abilities and help identify strategies to support participation in activities they enjoy.
Supporting Your Child’s Development
Every child develops differently, and experiencing one of these signs does not necessarily mean a child has a developmental delay or requires physical therapy.
If you have concerns about your child’s movement or motor development, speak with their pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional. The CDC recommends acting early when children are not meeting expected milestones or have lost skills they previously demonstrated.
At CFZ Pediatric Therapy, our physical therapists work with children across Connecticut of varying ages and abilities to develop motor skills, improve mobility, and support greater independence through individualized therapy.
This National Physical Therapy Month, we’re celebrating our dedicated physical therapists and the important role they play in helping children move, grow, and reach their goals!
