As a parent, it's natural to wonder whether your child's developmental milestones are on track or if there might be a need for additional support like physical therapy. Many well-meaning loved ones may insist, "You were the exact same way when you were younger!" or "Stop worrying. I'm sure he will just grow out of it."
Many developmental delays can improve with time and practice, but others may require professional intervention to ensure your child reaches their full potential. How do you know if your child needs physical therapy or if they will "grow out of it"? Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important question.
Understanding Developmental Milestones
While it's true that children develop at their own pace, there are general milestones that most kids reach around certain ages. These include specific motor skills (like crawling, walking, and running), as well as overall coordination, balance, and strength. If you notice delays or difficulties in these areas, it may be worth consulting with your pediatrician and a pediatric physical therapist.
Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Physical Therapy (PT)
Persistent Delays: If your child seems significantly behind their peers in reaching milestones like sitting up, crawling, walking, or jumping, it could indicate a need for PT. This is especially true if the delay is persistent and doesn’t appear to improve over time.
Coordination Issues: If you notice that your child frequently trips or falls, has difficulty with ball skills (e.g. throwing, catching, kicking), or struggles to use both sides of the body together in a coordinated manner for tasks like riding a bicycle and throwing, catching, and/or kicking balls, they may benefit from targeted PT interventions.
Pain, Discomfort, or Fatigue: Complaints of pain, discomfort, or excessive fatigue during physical activities or activities of daily living, or reluctance to participate in sports or more active play due to physical limitations should be evaluated by a PT.
Muscle Weakness or Tightness: Noticeable muscle weakness, tightness, or poor muscle tone can impact mobility and overall physical development.
Abnormal Gait or Posture: If your child walks with an abnormal gait (e.g. toe-walking) or exhibits unusual posture, a PT can assess and provide guidance.
Consulting with Professionals
When in doubt, it's always wise to seek guidance from healthcare professionals who specialize in child development. Your pediatrician can point you in the right direction, and a pediatric physical therapist can conduct assessments and evaluations to determine if PT is warranted. They will consider your child’s medical history, observe their movements and behaviors, and discuss any concerns you have as a parent.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial in many cases because it can address issues before they become more challenging to manage. BAC physical therapists are trained to create personalized plans that focus on improving strength, coordination, flexibility, and overall physical abilities in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate for children.
So...Will They Grow Out of It?
While some delays or challenges may resolve as a child ages, some children need targeted interventions in order to develop skills and make progress in a healthy, efficient manner. Our team of PTs will work collaboratively with your family to set achievable goals and support your child in maximizing their abilities.
Every child is unique, and the decision to pursue physical therapy should be based on thorough evaluation and professional guidance. Trust your instincts as a parent and always seek support if you have any concerns about your child's physical development. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's abilities and confidence as they grow.
If you’re unsure whether your child could benefit from physical therapy, call 781-239-0100 or email frontdesk@bostonabilitycenter.com to schedule an evaluation with one of our pediatric physical therapists, who can provide personalized insights and recommendations.
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