Services
Evaluations and Consultations
Evaluations
Evaluations are a vital part of pediatric physical therapy services. They are in depth physical therapy assessments and take between 60 and 90 minutes. A physical therapy evaluation assess developmental progress, strength, range of motion, posture, balance, coordination, and movement patterns. We recommend an evaluation when a patient has multiple underlying conditions, when symptoms are severe, or when most of the body is involved.
We require that evaluations are completed in person. Because accuracy is important, evaluations are highly detailed in nature. Therefore, teletherapy is not an option in order to maintain the integrity of the information collected.
Consultations
Consultations are shorter length assessments. We offer them as a complimentary service. They take between 20 and 40 minutes. We allow consultations in person or via Teletherapy. On the whole, consultations are similar to evaluations. We assess several areas, including: developmental progress, strength, range of motion, posture, balance, coordination, and movement patterns.
Visit our Evaluations and Consultations page for more details about our physical therapy assessments
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Individual PT
We require an initial consultation or evaluation before beginning individual physical therapy.
Individual pediatric physical therapy is one-on-one skilled physical therapy. We treat children of any age. We offer 2 options for individual treatment length—45 minutes and 20 minutes. We recommend in person sessions, but also offer Telehealth sessions. Physical therapy includes many aspects such as directed strength exercises, supervised/assisted developmental activities, coordination/agility drills, and stretching or range of motion activities.
Group PT
We require an initial consultation/evaluation in order to start group physical therapy.
Group pediatric physical therapy has a one therapist to 5 children ratio. Our group PT classes have age requirements. These requirements vary from group to group. Our group therapy treatments are for children with specific diagnoses or similar difficulties. We offer group treatments that last 45 minutes. We require parent participation when the child is under 4 years old. Group therapy has the potential to drive both social and physical development and progress. Visit our schedule for the currently available group pediatric physical therapy services.
Visit our Pediatric Physical Therapy Treatment page for more details about our pediatric physical therapy services in individual and group settings.
Kids Exercise and Fitness Classes
Our fitness and exercise classes for children are 45 minutes long. They are directed by a Physical Therapist. Our classes have a 1 therapist to 10 child ratio. We require parents participation when your child is under 4 years old. Your child will stay fit and build healthy habits at a young age due to attending our fitness classes. Additionally, your child has the opportunity to make new friends and build social skills such as taking turns. Group classes are broken up by age or ability. You can also take advantage of having access to a physical therapist. The leading PT will provide input on age appropriate activities.
Visit our Exercise and Fitness Classes page for more information on our exercise classes, as well as our current schedule of classes.
We also assist with exercise program design for children, teens, and young athletes. Contact us via email at branchesandbalance@gmail.com or via phone at (661) 577-1504 for more information on this service.
Things to Know
What is the Difference Between Group Therapy and Exercise Classes?
A physical therapist runs both our group therapy and our fitness classes. Group therapy is physical therapy treatment in a group setting instead of one-on-one. We select activities for each class that are geared towards the challenges and deficits our attendees have. However, our fitness classes have a completely different goal. Each class has a different focus. The goals of a fitness class can include improving aerobic fitness, building strength, improving balance and coordination, and achieving developmental milestones. While these are all things worked on in a group therapy setting, fitness classes are not geared towards the specific problems of those present. Fitness class participants also receive less individualized attention than in group therapy.
Why is Early Intervention so Important in Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy services impact the quality of life in children. However, the longer a condition goes untreated, the harder it is to fix. It also takes longer longer to fix. Untreated problems often lead lead to complications and further problems. In these cases, less time is spent on each individual problem because there are more things that need treatment.
For example-torticollis. Torticollis is a common condition in infants where they always look to one side. When a child comes in who has been dealing with torticollis for several months, they often loose the ability to physically look the other direction. Neck tightness leads to limited movement in the arms, legs, and trunk. This fallout is often avoidable, especially in mild cases. Early identification and treatment is key to optimal results and shorter treatment time. Catching and treating torticollis promptly often prevents the need for a “helmet.”