The New York Times recently came out with an article entitled “What to Look for in a Physical Therapist: Not all P.T.s are created equal. Find a professional who values evidence over anecdote.” While this article was aimed towards the adult orthopedic population, it got me thinking about how much more important it can be to find a quality pediatric PT that works well with your child and family. If you haven’t read this article yet, I encourage you to check it out here: https://www.nytimes.com/article/physical-therapist-search.html

Pediatric PTs often see children with longer-term disabilities. Plans of care can last for months or years, making it even more crucial that your child works with a PT you love and trust who uses evidence-based care.

So how will you know whether your child’s PT is up to date and providing quality care?

1. They emphasize more active activities over passive activities: children are meant to be active, and their physical therapy should be as well! Many passive treatment techniques (ice/heat, ultrasound, passive stretching) have recently shown to be largely ineffective, especially in neuromuscular conditions. Active treatments are also more functional and relevant!

2. They listen to you, create a plan of care tailored to your family’s individual needs, and act on that plan. If your family’s main goal is to go on family walks together, your child shouldn’t be spending the majority of their session working on catching a tennis ball.

3. They aren’t afraid to admit that they don’t know the answers. Developmental disabilities and delays are super complex, and every case is so unique. We don’t always know why some children develop the way they do, and we don’t have a crystal ball that tells us what they will be capable of in the future. It’s better for therapists to admit limitations and seek answers rather than make up answers that aren’t supported.

4. They connect with your child and help them have fun! Children often make the most progress through play.

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At First Step, we do our best to embody all these things! However, we recognize that we are not the best fit for every family and their particular needs. Wherever your family is, we hope that you are able to find a quality therapist that supports you and your family’s goals.