Why Should Your Baby See a Pediatric Physical Therapist?
Ok, so you have googled EVERYTHING you need to know about your brand new baby from nap schedules to feeding positions. At your infant’s 2 month old check up, you express some concerns that your baby has a flat spot on the back of his head and is holding his head to one side more than the other. Your pediatrician does not seem too concerned about your baby’s movement, but your mom gut is sounding off. Your next pediatrician appointment is 2 months away.
What can you do to help your baby?
Pediatric Physical Therapists are highly trained and licensed healthcare professionals who are experts in the science of movement in infants, children, and adolescents. By using standardized testing tools and specific functional assessments, pediatric PT’s identify delays in development or atypical movement development which may impact the child’s health over the lifespan. Reasons why you may see a pediatric PT include:
Concerns about delays in development (rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking)
Concerns about how your baby or child is moving (using one side more than the other, bottom scooting)
Atypical head shape or head/neck positioning
Identified delays in gross motor development with a medical diagnosis which may include but not limited to: Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Developmental Delay, Hypotonia, Premature Birth, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Pes Planus, Idiopathic Toe Walking, pain, poor coordination or clumsiness, etc.
“Wait and See” Is Outdated
Research shows us that the earlier intervention starts, the more optimal the outcomes for the child. We know that the infant brain hits important nerve growth periods during the first 18 months of life that are never duplicated in the future. We understand that these windows of brain growth can be significantly influenced by exercises including specific positioning, movement skills, and cognitive challenges.
In other words, there is NO need to wait for your next pediatrician appointment to get the professional help you are seeking for your baby. In most states (I believe 48 out of the 50), you can schedule an appointment with your local Pediatric Physical Therapist without a physician’s referral. Pediatric PTs perform standardized and specific evaluations of your child, and then work hand in hand with you, your baby, and your medical team regarding the plan of care.
As a mom myself, I know having a baby brings on so many new worries that can keep you up all night. I hope that you may rest a bit easier knowing that there is expert help out there regarding your baby’s movement.
Boost Babies offers home-based pediatric Physical Therapy, wellness, and infant massage services here in Austin, TX. Questions about your baby’s development? Reach out today!