Pediatric Physical Therapy in Sunnyside
As a child grows up and navigates his or her way through this world, there are milestones that they are expected to achieve developmentally.
Unfortunately, these milestones are not easily achievable for all children. Some children are born with developmental disabilities such as:
While it is sad to know that about 15% of children ages 3-17 have one or more developmental disabilities, this means that if your child is suffering, they are not alone.
Sunnyside—our pediatric therapists are well-versed in empathy and support, and trained in their practice. By working together, we can help your child progress as their strongest self.
Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are clearly identifiable from birth, to the age of five.
These milestones are often divided into two categories: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large movements such as walking, running and carrying objects.
Fine motor skills are more precise and include activities such as handwriting, feeding oneself and other focused movements.
Gross Motor Skills
If you enjoy your ability to walk around Sunnyside or go for a run, you understand the importance of gross motor skills.
As a child develops, they hit targets along their way. For example, from ages 3-6 months, they are able to support their weight on their legs.
At ages 18-24 months they should be able to walk up steps without support, and begin to run. By ages 4-5 years, they should begin to swing, climb, skip and balance.
If your child is unable to hit these targets, they can benefit from a visit to our clinic.
Fine Motor Skills
In the first year and a half of your child's life, they should be focused on developing their fine motor skills.
One of the first things new parents do when holding their baby is allow them to grasp their finger with their hand. This is a fine motor skill.
These skills progress to where at ages 6-9 months, they can transfer objects hand to hand, at ages 9-12 months, point with their index finger, and at 12-18 months, stack blocks and insert pegs into a pegboard.
We use our hands for everything, and so it is important to make sure that fine motor skills are honed properly so your child can lead an independent life.
How We Can Help
When you bring your child in for their first appointment, they will go through a developmental screening process where they will be tested and evaluated on their gross and fine motor skills.
From here, your therapist will be able to submit a diagnosis and begin planning treatment.
Pediatric physical therapy involves patience and understanding. Through play and a positive attitude One To One Physical Therapy therapists will help your child to feel the way every child should—as if they can take on the world.