4 Signs Your Toddler Might Benefit from Pediatric Physical Therapy

As a parent, you’re always in tune with how your baby moves and behaves, whether it’s how fast they learn how to walk or how quickly they get tired. It’s so much so that you’re the first to notice any strange movements and delays in their development of some motor skills.

While it’s worrisome to think about, it’s important to remember that these can sometimes be signs of something more. Sometimes, they’re early indicators that your toddler might benefit from a bit of extra support, like pediatric physical therapy. With the proper treatment, children can catch up quickly. Here are four signs that your toddler can benefit from physical therapy, and how this type of support can help them thrive.

1. You’ve Noticed Delays in Developmental Milestones

Every toddler develops motor skills and reaches their milestones at their own pace. However, if you’ve noticed that your baby has been consistently not meeting their milestones, like crawling, standing, and walking, they may benefit from early intervention.

A physical therapist can help assess your baby’s balance and strength and make a treatment plan to help your child build foundational movements. Over time, you’ll start to notice your child feeling more confident to move around, and they’ll finally meet those milestones.

2. They Struggle with Coordination or Muscle Control

If your child constantly trips, falls, and seems like they don’t have full control of their muscle movements months after they’ve learned to walk or run, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Stiff movements could point to poor motor planning, low muscle tone, or even early cerebral palsy symptoms.

Physical therapy can introduce gentle exercises that introduce pointed, joyful movement in your baby’s day-to-day life that helps strengthen their muscles and improve their overall coordination. Before you know it, your baby will start moving with full control of their little body.

3. They Complain of Pain or Fatigue Early On in Playtime

Does your toddler complain of their legs hurting or ask to be carried after just a few minutes of playtime? If they seem unusually tired after just a short burst of activity, it may suggest musculoskeletal issues and difficulties with endurance.

Working with a physical therapist allows you to learn more about what might be causing discomfort in your child. Their therapist can also teach you techniques to help your child improve their posture, stamina, and overall endurance.

4. They’re Recovering from a Broken Bone

It’s common for children to suffer from broken bones and fractures. In fact, up to 40% of girls and 50% of boys will experience a broken bone in early childhood. However, even after their bones heal and get proper treatment, toddlers need help regaining full strength again so that they can move with confidence.

A physical therapist can gently reintroduce movement in their lives and help them feel less scared about moving again after an injury. You can also aid in that progress by doing rehab at home through simple stretches and fun games that will get your child excited to move.

Endnote

Physical therapy at a young age is a great way to give your toddler the support they need to improve their coordination, help them love movement, and get them walking and playing with confidence. If something is tugging at your mother’s intuition after observing how they move, don’t hesitate to contact a physical therapist to see whether it’s the appropriate option for your child. With the right guidance, your little one can build strength and reach their milestones, one step at a time.