Physical therapist interacting with child

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapy helps your child move, grow and participate more fully in daily life. Our specially trained therapists provide children’s physical therapy across OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois and throughout the region, offering support for infants, kids and teens who need help building strength, balance, coordination or are recovering from injury or illness. Your child receives one-on-one, developmentally focused care centered on their unique goals.

What is pediatric physical therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy focuses on improving how children move by strengthening muscles, increasing mobility and supporting age-appropriate motor skills. This type of child physical therapy is designed specifically for growing bodies and developing brains.

Physical therapist with child patient looking in mirror

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your child’s first visit is a one-on-one session with a pediatric physical therapist. Your child’s therapist begins by reviewing their medical history and learning about your concerns and goals. They may complete developmental tests, movement assessments or strength evaluations to learn how your child moves today.

Together, you and your child’s therapist will create a personalized plan of care. This may include pediatric physical therapy exercises, activities for home, recommendations for adaptive devices and a schedule for follow-up visits.

Our team regularly collaborates with pediatricians, neurodevelopmental specialists and other OSF Children’s Hospital subspecialties, including pulmonary, GI and congenital heart teams. Your child may also receive coordinated care across physical, occupational and speech therapy if needed.

Pediactric physical therapists interacting with child

Meet Your Care Team

Our children’s hospital physical therapy is provided by a compassionate, child- and family-centered care team. Pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists work together to support your child’s development and ensure all aspects of their care align.

Our therapists are specially trained in physical therapy for children, including early motor development, balance and gait training, and rehabilitation for teens recovering from sports injuries or medical conditions. 

See Our Providers

Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy for Kids

We care for infants, children and teens with a wide range of physical therapy conditions, including:

Pediatric Physical Therapy Services We Provide

The physical therapy services at OSF Children’s Hospital support your child’s functional movement, safety and independence. Depending on your child’s needs, their care may include:

  • Adaptive equipment trials through our loaner equipment program
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary clinics and specialty teams
  • Coordination and motor planning therapy
  • Developmental movement assessments
  • Gait training and balance work
  • Neuromuscular retraining
  • Orthopedic and post-injury rehabilitation
  • Pain management strategies
  • Pediatric physical therapy equipment recommendations and training
  • Postural correction and body mechanics education
  • Strengthening and flexibility exercises

Preparing for Your Child’s Physical Therapy

To help your child feel comfortable, dress them in soft, flexible clothing and shoes they can move in easily. For your first visit, bring:

  • Insurance card and photo ID
  • Any adaptive or mobility equipment your child uses
  • Relevant medical documentation not already available to the therapist
  • A copy of your child’s IEP if they receive school-based services

Please arrive about 15 minutes early to complete registration. A parent or guardian must attend appointments for all children under 18.

Loading component...

Featured Providers

  • Saundi Pugh
  • Monica Blunier

Loading component...

Loading component...