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Physical and Occupational Therapy for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disease and Disorders
About This Article
Article Details
Published: Jan. 25, 2012
Updated: Jan. 25, 2012
On Other Web Sites
DukeChildrens.org
Duke Children's Department of Gastroenterology
Additional Resources
Common GI Problems in Pediatric Patients (acg.gi.org)
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A large number and variety of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can be diagnosed in children. Diagnoses can include short gut syndrome, gastroschesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and malrotation.
Children with these diagnoses often must undergo extensive, and often multiple, surgeries and procedures and can be on long term medication.
Due to the systemic nature of these diagnoses, children are often at risk for developmental delay due to long-term hospitalizations, feeding difficulties, and sensory processing disorders.
The primary goal of physical therapy and occupational therapy for these children is to:
- Assist with the development of age-appropriate gross and fine motor skills
- Progress patient to taking full feeds by mouth
- Provide intervention for any underlying sensory processing difficulties
- Educate caregivers on providing patient with opportunities to grow and develop to their best potential within their given environment
Patients with GI disorders are seen for both inpatient and outpatient therapy.
Physical Therapy Treatment
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Gross motor skills
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Strength and endurance
Occupational Therapy Treatment
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Oral motor and feeding skills
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Sensory processing
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Fine and visual motor skills
