Even the youngest among us can have musculoskeletal or movement issues that respond well to physical therapy.

 

Newborns and infants are often born with or acquire musculoskeletal imbalances that can effect their development. Most of them can be treated easily while the bones are still developing.

 

Common conditions include:

– Torticollis (neck contracture resulting in frequent or constant head tilt or rotation)

– Plagiocephaly (irregular head shape, often the result of unaddressed torticollis)

– Pes cavus (a rounded or floppy foot)

– Poor or delayed head control

– Poor or delayed trunk control

– Missing or delayed milestones such as rolling or sitting

– Drifting of hands or wrists

– and more…

 

With babies, little things can become big things very quickly. Catching things like torticollis early can prevent it from becoming plagiocephaly. Likewise, address foot irregularity early can prevent a future of toe walking, flat feet, or possibly even surgeries.

 

Physical therapy can start within days of birth, but a screen is recommended within the first month. A therapist skilled and comfortable with babies, such as those at Choice PT, can quickly and painlessly screen for the little things in your little treasure. Simple but important signs are often missed by others who see your baby, weather due to the joyous but routine nature of well-baby visits or hustle of potentially more serious issues that have their attention. If you have any questions, have one of our therapists assess your baby today!

 

 

Physical therapy treatment may include:

  • Pain management if indicated
  • Specific stretching and range of motion activity
  • Specific muscle strengthening activity through play
  • Gentle soft tissue mobilization 
  • Low grade joint mobilization
  • Other general manual therapies
  • Positional advisement
  • Parent/caregiver training as indicated
  • Referral to other professionals if indicated

 

If your baby has previously identified issues or developmental issue, we also happily work with such folks. We currently do not provide Early Intervention Services with the County/State due exclusively to administrative and logistical barriers. But if you are one of those who was told they need such services, but there are no therapists available, please give us a call to see if we can help.

 

Reminder:

The longer you wait, the more a specific problem can progress, especially in babies. Call us or book your appointment online today! The sooner the better. Remember, you do not need a referral from any other doctors, but we will always contact your baby’s doctor with our findings. We want to be part of, not separate from, your medical team. It takes a village! Your insurance will still be accepted the same as at any other medical appointment.