Five Tips for Making the Most of Physical Therapy

Discuss your child’s physical therapy goals with your provider!

Your provider will create goals for your child to work towards. These can act as milestones that signify progress as your child moves through their physical therapy plan of care. Communicate with your provider, and work with them to set goals that are most meaningful to your family! 

 

Attend sessions with your child in order to maximize progress! 

Consistent attendance to physical therapy is critical to goal attainment! Additionally, caregiver participation in these sessions can enhance the experience for your child, and ensure that caregivers have the opportunity to learn activities to work on at home. Physical therapy priorities can change week to week, so it’s important for caregivers to remain involved in sessions throughout the plan of care.

 

Make sure your child is dressed for exercise!

Kiddos are best able to participate in physical therapy when wearing comfortable clothing that moves easily. Older children are encouraged to wear athletic shoes with shorts or pants that allow your provider to easily visualize your child’s alignment during exercise. Arriving well hydrated and rested will also prepare your child to put forth their best effort during their session! 

 

Be consistent with home exercises! 

PT sessions often occur just one time per week, or even less often! In order to create change, it’s crucial that your child continue to work on exercises at home throughout the week. Your provider will recommend activities to focus on after each session, and prioritizing about twenty minutes per day for these activities will help your child maximize progress toward their goals.

 

Discuss barriers to progress with your provider 

• Sometimes, life happens. Whether you are having a hard time performing your child’s home program, having trouble with transportation to appointments, or struggling with another issue that is impacting your child’s participation in physical therapy: please communicate with your provider! Your therapist is here to help, and will work with you to brainstorm solutions to reduce and manage these barriers where possible.