How do I know if my child needs physical therapy?
If your child has a known condition such as prematurity, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, etc. you or your physician may choose to have them evaluated for gross motor delay. If you notice that your child is delayed in meeting gross motor milestones, cannot keep up with their peers, or reports pain, you may wish to speak to your primary care provider about getting a physical therapy referral. To learn more about typical gross motor milestones, visit healthychildren.org. Some tips for acquiring a PT referral include
- Make notes of when they meet milestones, such as rolling, sitting, or crawling.
- Take photos or videos of how they perform these skills if you feel that they are atypical.
- Write down questions ahead of time to discuss your concerns with your PCP.