Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy addresses limitations related to gross motor skills, which are tasks that involve large muscle groups of the body such as sitting, walking, and jumping by working to improve strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination and ultimately help a child improve their ability to participate in physical activity and meet developmental milestones. It focuses on helping children develop the independence and ability to safely access their environment and explore and play with their family and friends. Our physical therapists also help families with the process of attaining appropriate orthotics, prosthetics, and durable medical equipment (DME) including wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers, and much more.
Does My child need PT?
If you happen to notice difficulties in one or more of these areas, an evaluation for treatment may be appropriate:
- Doesn’t like tummy time
- Poor head control while on their stomach or while sitting
- Holds head tilted to one side or only looks in one direction
- Concerns about posture and positioning
- Delays in motor development, such as:
- Not yet sitting by 6 months old
- Not crawling by 10-11 months old
- Not walking by 18 months old
- Walks on toes
- Clumsy/difficulty with balance and coordination
- Falls frequently and/or has trouble stopping falls and protecting their head and face
- Doesn’t skip, jump, or hop on one foot
- Poor endurance/difficulty keeping up and playing with friends
- Sports and non-sports related injuries
Have Q’s? We are here to help
Who can benefit ?
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Brain injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Children with flat feet
- Club foot
- Coordination and balance challenges
- Dandy-Walker syndrome
- Developmental coordination disorder
- Developmental delay
- Down syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Genetic disorders
- Gross motor delay
- Hydrocephalus
- Imbalances in muscle tone (often called low or high muscle tone)
- Infants born prematurely
- Muscular dystrophies
- Muscle weakness (generalized)
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Plagiocephaly
- Recovery from sports and non-sports related injuries
- Scoliosis
- Spina bifida/tethered cord
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torticollis (head tilt or preference to look to one side)
- Traumatic brain injury
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapy Smarts is a pediatric therapy clinic offering occupational therapy (OT), speech-language therapy, physical therapy (PT), psychology services, and autism programs for children in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC. Our team of licensed therapists supports children’s developmental, communication, behavioral, and physical needs through individualized therapy plans.
We serve children from infancy through adolescence (ages 0–18). Services are tailored to each child’s developmental level and specific needs.
Physical therapy (PT) helps children improve strength, balance, coordination, and mobility. It can benefit children with:
- Developmental delays (e.g., late walking)
- Torticollis or flat head syndrome in infants
- Cerebral palsy or neuromuscular conditions
- Orthopedic injuries or recovery after surgery
- Poor posture, core strength, or balance
Yes, but in a fun, play-based way! Our physical therapists use obstacle courses, games, and child-friendly exercises to improve your child’s physical abilities through a play therapy approach.
Start by calling us or submitting an intake form on our website. We will gather basic information, help verify insurance, and schedule an evaluation to assess your child’s needs.
Some insurance plans require a physician’s referral, but not all. We’ll help you check and guide you through the process.
A licensed therapist will assess your child’s strengths and challenges in their area of concern. We’ll discuss goals and create a therapy plan tailored to your child.
We are in network and file insurance claims for these providers.
- BCBS (All except Blue Home)
- United Health Care (All-Saver, Oxford Plan, Bind Benefits), UMR
- Aetna (all except Duke Select)
- NC Health Choice
- Cigna
- Tricare
- Managed Care Organizations: Amerihealth Caritas, Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete Health, UHC of NC, Wellcare of NC, Alliance, Vayahealth, Trillium, Partners Behavior Health
Yes. We provide a self-pay rate if you do not use insurance. We also offer free therapy screenings throughout the year—check our events page for details.
Most therapy sessions are 30–60 minutes, depending on your child’s plan. Sessions may be once or multiple times per week based on their needs.
In most cases, therapy is provided in person at our Chapel Hill or Durham clinic. Virtual services may be offered when appropriate and covered by insurance. Please call the office to speak with us about virtual services.
Yes! We encourage caregiver involvement and provide parent coaching as part of our services. Your therapist will guide you on when it’s best to observe, join, or wait.
Your therapist will set measurable goals and track your child’s progress each session. We provide regular updates and re-evaluate periodically to adjust the treatment plan.
- Chapel Hill Clinic:1130 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Durham Clinic:1920 NC-54 STE 240, 360, Durham, NC 27713
We offer flexible hours to accommodate school and family schedules. Typical hours are:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
