Services

The focus of PT treatment is to improve an infant or child's motor performance. PT addresses concerns regarding an infant or child's muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, postural control, balance, bilateral coordination, gait pattern, pain level, and the need for orthotic intervention and/or adaptive equipment. The development of motor skills proceeds like a triangle, with gross motor being the base of the triangle, and fine and oral motor extending to the top. PT aims to provide a child with a stable base of strength and body awareness for the acquisition and retention of large motor skills. For example, in order for a child to learn while sitting at a desk at school, the child must have the appropriate postural strength, flexibility and body awareness to remain sitting first. An example for helping an infant develop a stable base of control is to work on appropriate head control and neck strength to enable the infant to play on their tummy. PT is recommended for infants and children when they have impairments that impede their general mobility or function, both in terms of basic gross motor skills such as rolling, crawling and walking and in terms of higher level difficulties with bilateral coordination, balance and/or sports readiness with peers.

PT serves to improve a wide range of biological systems that make up the child's body. All of the different systems including the central nervous system, neuromuscular system, and musculoskeletal systems work together to enable a child to perform a motor skill appropriately. Because every child has a unique set of systems, the plan of care including treatment interventions is individualized. It has been proven that the central nervous system and neuromuscular systems are "plastic," or changeable through intervention. PT treatment is directed to improve motor performance in terms of sensory processing and motor learning. PT is also directed to improve impairments of the musculoskeletal system in terms of muscle tightness, weakness, and existing or potential orthopedic deformities. It is our goal to assist families and children to maximize their potential in mobility and function.

Physical Therapy Services at ATA

1. We provide comprehensive physical therapy evaluations that assess gross motor performance and determine the limiting factors that contribute to a child's motor challenges within the home and school. The evaluation includes a parent interview, a clinical assessment and home or school observations where applicable. It includes a formal assessment of the musculoskeletal system taking into account joint stability, muscle flexibility and muscle strength testing. It also contains a formal assessment of postural control and core stability, the proprioceptive and vestibular systems, balance, bilateral coordination, hand-eye coordination, and a child's motor planning/praxis skills. Gait analysis and standardized gross motor skill testing are performed when appropriate. The evaluation includes a comprehensive written report, with an overview of child's developmental history and detailed recommendations to address the concerns and goals important to the child's family. It essentially provides a narrative "snapshot in time" of your child's motor performance and how this reflects on his/her function in terms of home and school. The evaluation fee includes the consultation with the child's parents after they have received and reviewed the written report.
2. We provide 2-hour screenings when a full evaluation is either not warranted based on the needs of the family and/or the infant/child, and also for those families who do not desire a lengthy report and want to transition or commence services with us. This screening will include all of the relevant clinical observations, though will not include the extensive testing that the above evaluation would require. The consultation and treatment options are discussed with the parents during the screening. Physical therapy screenings are also often most appropriate for children with orthopedic injuries, for children whose family is seeking specific recommendations regarding adaptive equipment, and also for infants with hypotonia, delayed gross motor skill development or Torticollis.
3. We provide weekly visits with an experienced physical therapist based on the recommended frequency that could range from once per month to three times per week. These visits will encompass physical treatment in the appropriate combination of neuro-developmental handling techniques, therapeutic strengthening exercises, flexibility programs, endurance training, balance training, vestibular-proprioceptive rehabilitation, gait training, massage, myofacial release, and muscle re-education. The therapist will also provide ongoing support with functional needs at home and school through the development of sensory diets and home programs. Our treatment approach is family centered and the child is allocated to a specific therapist that he/she will see upon each visit.
4. We visit educational and home settings for observational reports on environmental accessibility and to maximize the child's function within the environment. We follow this up with a written report and recommendations.
5. We provide consultation services to schools and families and each request is determined based on individual or organizational need.
6. PT also participates in some of the sensory-motor social groups that is held in an ongoing basis at our center.
7. PT is actively involved in our 6-week summer camps held every year.
8. We also provide IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) assistance through consultation.

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