As parents, we watch in wonder as our children grow — first smiles, first rolls, first steps. But every child develops at their own pace, and sometimes those early milestones take a little longer to arrive. That’s where pediatric physical therapy comes in. At Therapy Smarts, we’re here to help children of all abilities build strength, confidence, and independence — and to support families every step of the way.

Why Milestones Matter (and What They Tell Us)

Children develop in predictable ways during infancy and early childhood. These developmental milestones such as lifting their head, sitting, crawling, and walking help you understand how your child is progressing physically and neurologically. Monitoring these milestones can alert you to potential delays early, so you can seek support when it matters most. 

Missing a milestone doesn’t always mean there’s a long-term issue, but it does mean it’s worth talking with a professional, especially if the gap is significant or persistent. Early evaluation and intervention often lead to better long-term outcomes for your child. 

What Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Do for Your Child

Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized type of care focused on improving a child’s ability to move, play, and engage confidently with the world. At Therapy Smarts, our therapists work with children to:

• Build strength, balance, and coordination
• Improve range of motion and posture
• Support gross motor development — like crawling and walking
• Increase endurance for play, sports, and daily activities
• Help children safely navigate their environment at home, school, and on the playground

We use play-based, child-friendly activities designed to feel like fun — not therapy — helping kids feel empowered as they reach new goals.

Pediatric physical therapy benefits not only children’s physical development but also their confidence and independence, and it helps families feel more equipped to support their child every day. 

When Should You Consider a Physical Therapy Evaluation?

Every child grows at their own pace, but there are some key signs that suggest a physical therapy evaluation may be helpful. Trusting your parental instincts is important — if something feels “off,” it’s worth exploring. Here are common indicators that an evaluation may be beneficial:

Delayed Gross Motor Milestones

These include:

• Not sitting independently by about 6 months
• Not crawling by 10–11 months
• Not walking by 18 months
  These milestones are commonly used markers of typical physical development. If your child is consistently behind, a physical therapist can assess underlying causes and help create a plan for progress. 

Head and Neck Control Challenges

Infants who resist tummy time, have poor head control, or consistently tilt their head to one side might be experiencing muscle tightness or other challenges that physical therapy can address. 

Balance, Coordination, and Clumsiness

Older toddlers and school-age children who seem unusually clumsy, have trouble with balance, or fall frequently may benefit from targeted therapy to improve coordination and confidence in movement. Exchange Physical Therapy Group

Unusual Gait or Posture

Children who walk on their toes beyond toddlerhood, demonstrate poor posture, or struggle to keep up during play may be experiencing underlying strength, alignment, or motor planning issues.

Low Endurance and Participation Limitations

If your child tires quickly, avoids active play, or struggles to participate with peers, therapy can help build the stamina and skills needed for fun, safe physical engagement.  

How the Evaluation Works

A pediatric physical therapy evaluation is a supportive, informative assessment where a therapist:

• Observes your child’s movement patterns
• Measures strength, balance, and coordination
• Identifies any areas of delay or challenge
• Creates a personalized plan to help your child grow stronger and more confident

This evaluation is not a test your child can “fail.” It’s a snapshot of their current abilities and a roadmap for positive growth. 

Supporting Your Child and Your Family

Physical therapy isn’t just about exercises — it’s about empowering your entire family. Our therapists offer:

• Guidance on home-based activities
• Strategies to support functional movement in daily routines
• Education and encouragement for parents and caregivers

Whether your child is just beginning to walk or is navigating more complex developmental challenges, Therapy Smarts is here to help you and your child succeed — one milestone at a time. 

Ready to take the next step?
If you’ve noticed any concerns with your child’s physical development, trust your instincts and reach out. Scheduling a physical therapy evaluation could make all the difference — giving your child the tools to move, play, and thrive with confidence.

We have NO WAITLIST for Physical Therapy services at our Chapel Hill or Durham clinics. 

Call Therapy Smarts today at 919-378-1340 to learn more or book an evaluation.