Fact or Fiction?: Physical Therapy

By Team Therapy Smarts 

Why would my child need physical therapy? This is the question we hear often from families first facing a referral for this service. Typically, people know that physical therapy is meant to help with tasks like walking, jumping, and other movement-based skills. However, there are a number of misconceptions about when and why any child may be in need of this service. This week, we’re here with the facts and fictions about this movement-based treatment, to help you make informed decisions that can meet the needs of your family. 
To kick things off, we’ll share some of the top misconceptions that parents may be unaware of. 

Fiction: Physical Therapy Will Be Painful for My Child

We know that your child’s safety is your number-one priority. Some parents are worried that the physical therapy process may upset or cause pain for their children. Many of our staff members are parents themselves, and can empathize with this concern. 
As medical professionals, we employ a range of techniques and skills designed to meet your child’s unique needs. Furthermore, our therapists are highly-trained to react and respond to a child’s discomfort, adjusting activities accordingly and utilizing encouragement to ensure that therapy is a safe place for them to learn and grow. With these techniques, many of the children we treat grow to love their appointments and feel empowered to practice and master the critical skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. 

Fiction: Physical Therapy is Only for Severe Conditions

Many people’s perception of physical therapy stems from the most severe cases. For example, you may have been introduced to it after a friend faced a severe injury, or a relative was diagnosed with a disability. However, physical therapy can help in a wide range of cases, for a spectrum of unique physical needs. 
Children facing motor skill delays, balance difficulties, coordination issues or even pain management at all levels can benefit from physical therapy. Undergoing treatment can even be proactive, preventing minor issues from escalating into major ones, and ensuring healthy development.

Fiction: Physical Therapy Creates Instant Improvements

With all the charts and statistics about movement out there, it is understandable that parents want to get their child back on track as quickly as possible. However, when it comes to an integral skill like movement, each individual child is on his or her own schedule. In order to see the best possible results for your family, persistence and patience are critical. 
Many of these misconceptions may make the practice feel overwhelming. For more insights, check out what our physical therapist Ms. Marissa had to say, on Instagram! 

Fact: Physical Therapy Treats A Wide Range of Needs

Any time that a problem with movement limits a child’s ability to explore or engage with the world, physical therapy can be useful. This might include causes such as developmental delays or genetic disorders, but can also address children affected by orthopedic injuries or coordination difficulties. 
What exactly your child works on will be determined by an initial evaluation with a physical therapist. Your PT will observe your child’s strength and motion by assessing their ability to complete age-appropriate tasks. They will simultaneously note any delays, the degree of impact and any potential cause of the delay. All this information empowers them to create a personalized training plan that works best for your child and your family.

Fact: Physical Therapy Improves Balance & Coordination

Physical therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance the connection between the brain and body. By working on specific movements like walking, jumping, or even standing on one leg, they help improve stability and control. Over time, these exercises can help retrain the body to move more smoothly, reduce the risk of falls, and build confidence in everyday activities.

Fact: Physical Therapy Builds Safe Independence

The goal of physical therapy is to increase long-term health by building gross motor skills (skills using major muscle groups, like jumping). Often, as these skills improve, children experience an increased level of independence from their parents or caregivers For example, a child who might have previously needed help with getting up from the floor or climbing stairs may start to do these things on their own. 
This newfound independence not only boosts their confidence but also promotes safety, as they become more aware of their bodies and movement patterns. Over time, physical therapy helps children build the strength and coordination necessary to navigate their world more safely and with less assistance, ultimately enhancing their overall long-term health and development.