Pediatric Serial Casting Therapy in Durham & Chapel Hill
What is Serial Casting?
Serial casting is a non-invasive treatment used to gradually stretch tight muscles and improve joint movement over time. A cast is applied to hold a muscle in a gentle stretch for several days before being replaced with a new cast that increases the stretch slightly. This process is repeated over several weeks to help improve flexibility, posture, walking patterns, and mobility.
Serial casting is often used alongside pediatric physical therapy, strengthening exercises, gait training, balance work, and orthotics to help children achieve the best outcomes.
Pediatric Down Syndrome Signs & Symptoms
- Toe walking
- Walking on the balls of the feet
- Muscle tightness or stiffness
- Limited ankle flexibility
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty standing with heels flat
- Poor balance or frequent falls
- Abnormal walking patterns (gait abnormalities)
- Tight calf muscles or heel cords
- Contractures (permanent muscle shortening)
- Difficulty wearing braces or orthotics
- Joint stiffness
- Pain with walking or movement
- Delayed gross motor milestones
- Difficulty climbing stairs, running, or jumping
- Spasticity caused by neurological conditions
These symptoms may be associated with conditions such as:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spina Bifida
- Idiopathic toe walking
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Orthopedic conditions affecting mobility
How Therapy Smarts Supports Children with Down Syndrome
At Therapy Smarts, our multidisciplinary team in Durham and Chapel Hill works together to create a customized “roadmap” that helps your child hit their milestones and gain independence.
Building Strength and Mobility (Physical Therapy)
Our Pediatric Physical Therapists focus on:
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Strengthening core muscles to support sitting, crawling, and walking.
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Improving balance and coordination to help with playground play and sports.
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Providing orthotic recommendations to ensure proper joint alignment as your child grows.
Developing Independence and Fine Motor Skills (Occupational Therapy)
Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on “the job of being a kid.” We help children master the daily skills they need for home and school, including:
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Fine Motor Coordination: Strengthening small hand muscles for writing, using scissors, or buttoning clothes.
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Self-Care Skills: Practical training for feeding themselves, dressing, and grooming.
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Sensory Integration: Helping children process information from their environment so they can stay focused and calm in the classroom.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.
Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?
At Therapy Smarts, we don’t believe in a “wait and see” approach. We believe in early, expert intervention that gives your child the tools they need to thrive. Whether you are looking for specialized Serial Casting support or a comprehensive developmental evaluation, our award-winning team in Durham and Chapel Hill is ready to partner with your family.
Two Easy Ways to Begin:
Contact Us Directly: Ready to schedule? Call us at 919-378-1340.
Fill out our Online Inquiry Form to speak with a member of our intake team.
Don’t navigate this journey alone—let’s unlock your child’s possibilities together
