Meyer Center

Physical therapy addresses the child‘s general strength and abilities in the areas of gross motor skills and mobility. Each child is screened to determine if an evaluation is needed. After receiving a referral from the child‘s physician, an evaluation will be performed. The evaluation looks at the child‘s posture, sensory processing, muscle tone and coordination, developmental skills, skin integrity and adaptive equipment. If problems are identified in these areas, a plan for intervention is developed and physical therapy may be recommended.

Physical therapy works with the classroom staff concerning lifting and carrying the child correctly, positioning the child at the table for classroom activities and on use of special equipment needed for the child to sit, stand, or walk. Direct physical therapy goals and activities are individually established based on the evaluation. Goals may include learning to sit, crawl, walk, climb steps, or throw and catch a ball. Activities include exercises for strengthening, range of motion and balance. Ball play games, tricycle riding and outdoor play are used to improve coordination and endurance. Physical therapy works with the family and local durable medical equipment providers to identify, order, and maintain adaptive equipment to assist the child‘s sitting stability, posture or mobility.