Pediatric physical therapy is a therapy that helps children with movement problems. It can help with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida.

Physical therapists use different types of equipment and exercises to help children move better. They also teach families how to care for their child’s condition.

What is a pediatric physical therapist?

Pediatric therapists help kids improve their movement.

They work with infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents who have:

• Cerebral palsy: A neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination and body movement
• Muscular dystrophy: A group of genetic disorders that weaken the muscles
• Spina bifida: A birth defect in which the spinal cord does not form properly
• Developmental delay: When a child does not reach certain milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking, by the expected age
• Down syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes delays in physical and mental development
• Autism spectrum disorder: A range of neurodevelopmental disorders that can cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges
• Sensory processing disorders: Disorders that affect the way the brain processes information from the senses

They also help children who are:

• Recovering from an injury
• Rehabbing after surgery

A lot of what Physical therapists do is work with families.

They teach them how to:

• Care for their child’s condition
• Use adaptive equipment
• Do therapeutic exercises at home

What type of equipment do pediatric PTs use?

• Exercise balls: These are great for building strength, and improving balance, and coordination.
• Therapy bands: These help with range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
• Therapy putty: This is used to improve hand strength.
• Wobble boards: These help with balance training.
• Hula hoops: These are fun while working on core strength, balance, and coordination.
• Trampolines: These are great for vestibular (balance) training and proprioceptive (joint position sense) input.
• Bicycles: These help with cardiovascular endurance and can be used for vestibular or proprioceptive input.

What type of exercises do pediatric physical therapists use?

• Gross motor skills exercises: These help with the big movements of the arms and legs.
• Fine motor skills exercises: These help with the small movements of the hands and fingers.
• Sensory integration exercises: These help the brain process information from the senses.
• Vestibular (balance) exercises: These help with the sense of movement and where the body is in space.
• Proprioceptive (joint position sense) exercises: These help the brain understand where the joints are in space.
• Strengthening exercises: These help the muscles work better.
• Endurance exercises: These help the body keep going for longer periods of time.
• Range of motion exercises: These help increase the amount that joints can move.
• Stretching exercises: These help keep muscles and joints flexible.

How can I find a pediatric physical therapist near me?

You can ask your child’s doctor for a referral. You can also search the American Physical Therapy Association’s “Find a PT” tool.

And if you live  in Austin Texas Austin Physical Specialists is a great place to start.

At Austin Physical Specialists, we specialize in helping kids reach their full potential. We have a team of specialists who are passionate about working with kids. So, if your child needs help with their movement, we can help!

Give us a call and schedule an appointment today! We look forward to meeting you and your family!

Thankyou.

If you have trouble keeping your balance, you’re not alone!!

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 40 percent of adults over age 40 have some degree of balance problems.

Most balance problems can be helped with treatment.

What are the indications for therapy?

There are many reasons why you might need therapy.

Some common indications for therapy include:

• Trouble keeping your balance.
• Having falls or near-falls.
• Fear of falling.
• Loss of confidence when walking or moving around.
• Decreased ability to do activities you enjoy because of balance problems.
• Inner ear problems
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Certain medications
• Nerve problems
• Problems with your feet or shoes

If you have a balance problem, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following:

Balance therapy:

This type of therapy uses exercises to help improve your sense of balance. A physical therapist can design a program specifically for you.

Vestibular rehabilitation:

This type of therapy also uses exercises to help improve your sense of balance. But it’s geared more toward people who have problems with their vestibular system, which controls your sense of balance. A physical therapist can design a program specifically for you.

Balance retraining:

This type of therapy helps you learn to use your senses (sight, touch, and hearing) to help improve your balance. A physical therapist can design a program specifically for you.

Your doctor may also recommend that you:

• Wear supportive shoes:

Make sure your shoes fit well and provide good support. Avoid high heels and flip-flops.

• Use a cane or walker:

If you have trouble walking, using a cane or walker can help you stay steady on your feet.

• Improve your vision:

If you have poor vision, getting new glasses or contact lenses may help you feel more confident on your feet.

• Make your home safer:

Remove throw rugs and other things that can cause you to trip. Install handrails on stairs and in your bathtub or shower.

• Improve your fitness:

Exercise can help improve your balance and coordination. Tai chi is a particularly good form of exercise for people with balance problems.

• Manage your health conditions:

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health conditions, be sure to take your medications as prescribed and see your doctor regularly. This will help keep your condition under control and reduce your risk of falling.

What can I expect from therapy?

The goal of therapy is to help you improve your balance and prevent falls. Depending on your particular situation. Your therapist will design a program specifically for you.

The number of sessions you need will depend on the severity of your balance problem. Most people need at least 10-12 sessions. But some people may need more.

Some balance problems can’t be completely cured. But with treatment, most people can improve their sense of balance and prevent falls.

Final Words:

If you have a balance problem, don’t try to tough it out. Balance problems can lead to falls and serious injuries. So if you’re having trouble keeping your balance, be sure to see your doctor.

Balance therapy and vestibular rehabilitation can also help you regain confidence in your ability to move around and do the things you enjoy.

If you live near texas then  Austin Phsical therapy specialist we offer balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) to address symptoms caused by vestibular (inner ear) dysfunction. VRT can help you regain your sense of balance and prevent falls.

If you are experiencing any symptom of vestibular dysfunction, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of your symptoms and develop a custom treatment plan to help you regain your sense of balance.

Let’s talk!!

Introduction:

Before we talk about how dry needling  is affecting us, let’s first understand what it is?

Dry needling is the use of an acupuncture needle to stimulate a muscle in order to release tension and pain. It is also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS).

Dry needling is based on the same principle as acupuncture, which is that stimulating certain points on the body can help to relieve pain and stress. However, with dry needling, the needles are not inserted into the skin. Instead, they are inserted into the muscle itself.

Dry needling is a relatively new technique, and there is still some debate about how exactly it works. Some experts believe that dry needling activates the nervous system, which then releases pain-relieving chemicals.

How Dry Needling reduce Chronic Pain And Stress?

Chronic pain and stress can have a negative impact on our health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.

In this process in which a thin needle is inserted into the skin and muscle fibers. This helps to release tension and restore function. The needles used are different from those used for acupuncture, as they are much thinner and shorter. Dry needling has been shown to be more effective than traditional methods of treatment.  It is a safe and natural method that can help you to live a healthier and happier life.

The precise mechanism of pain reduction with dry needling is unknown for stress; however, research indicates that there are measurable mechanical and biochemical effect that occur with needling.

Dry needling appears to reset the sensory threshold, thus reducing pain. It is also thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals that helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Benefits Of Dry Needling:

There are many benefits of dry needling, including:

• Relaxation of the muscles
• Reduction in pain
• Reduction in stress
• Improved sleep quality
• Increased energy levels
• Improved circulation
• Improved range of motion

Who is a candidate for Dry Needling?

Patients with musculoskeletal problems can be treated with dry needling. Muscles are commonly thought to be a major contributor to symptoms.

People with Neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headache (migraine and tension-type), jaw pain, buttock pain, and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms) are just a few examples that can be treated through dry needling.

Who performs dry needling and How?

Dry needling is performed by physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other trained healthcare providers.

Dry needling is usually performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital. The procedure itself is relatively short, and most people report only minor discomfort during the procedure.

During the procedure, you will be asked to lie down on a bed or table. The physical therapist will then insert the needles into your skin and muscles. You may feel a slight prickling sensation as the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, you will be left to rest.

Conclusion:

Dry needling is an effective way to reduce stress. It is a safe and natural method that has been used for centuries.

We also provide Dry Needling at Austin Physical Therapy Specialist. We have many professionals who can provide dry needling treatment.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or stress, contact an Austin physical therapist today to see if dry needling is right for you and what are its potential benefits for you.

ThankYou!!

Class IV laser therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses lasers to help the body heal. The therapy is said to work by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Class IV Laser Therapy is often used to treat chronic pain, injuries, and other conditions. The therapy is non-invasive and can be done in a doctor’s office or at a physical therapy center.

Class IV lasers have more than 0.5 watts of power and are frequently effective for treating issues that have not yielded positive results with other types of treatments. In addition to chronic pain, injuries, and inflammation. It is a painless procedure that leaves no scars or marks on the skin.

Class IV Laser Therapy has also been used to treat conditions such as:

• Backache
• Neck ache
• Elbow ache
• Knee discomfort
• Shoulder ache
• Wrist ache
• Foot ache
• Hip ache
• Sciatica and other conditions
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel
• Plantar fasciitis
• Neuropathy
• Migraines

How Does Class IV Laser Therapy Work?

Laser therapy works by delivering light energy in a specific wavelength that interacts with damaged cells and stimulates them to heal. The light energy is absorbed and converted to ATP (energy) that the cells can use to repair and regenerate themselves.

Class IV Laser Therapy is distinct from laser therapies used in dermatology (such as acne treatment) and ophthalmology (eye) procedures.

Class IV Laser Therapy based on four key laser technology parameters:

1. Wavelength: The right wavelength is crucial for stimulating healing. The most common therapeutic wavelength is 810nm, which has been shown to be the most effective for healing.
2. Power: The power of the laser should be high enough to penetrate deeply into the tissue, but not so high that it damages the tissue.
3. Duration: The duration of the laser treatment should be long enough to stimulate healing, but not so long that the tissue becomes damaged.
4. Frequency: The frequency of the laser should be high enough to stimulate healing, but not so high that the tissue becomes damaged.

What to expect during a Class IV Laser Therapy treatment?

During a Class IV Laser Therapy treatment, you will be asked to lie down on a table or bed. The physical therapist will then place the laser device on your skin and move it around as needed.

The treatment is usually painless, but you may feel a warm sensation on your skin. The treatment will last for 10-30 minutes, depending on your condition.

After the treatment, you may feel a bit tired or have some mild redness on your skin, but this should go away within a few minutes.

Some of the advantages you can anticipate are as follows:

• Relief of pain in the affected area
• Improved mobility and range of motion
• Scar tissue was reduced, and cellular growth and repair were stimulated.
• Inflammation has been reduced.
• Treatment that is painless and requires little to no downtime
• There are no serious side effects.

Finally:

Class IV Laser therapy is a promising treatment option for those who are looking for an alternative to medication or surgery.

If you want to find out more about Class IV Laser Therapy Visit APTS website. And if you live near Austin, Texas you can consider Austin Physical Specialist.

At Austin Physical Therapy Specialists, We offer LightForce Class IV Laser Therapy, which is an innovative and potent treatment that penetrates injured tissue, resulting in faster healing and natural pain relief.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment today!!

Thankyou