Many orthopaedic conditions can affect children of all ages. Some conditions can lead to a loss of range of motion, pain, and weakness which can impact activities of daily living (ADL), gait, and balance. These include:

• Musculoskeletal impairments (muscle sprains and strains)
• Congenital deformities (club foot, arthrogryposis)
• Amputations
• Blount’s disease
• Scoliosis
• Fractures (broken bones)

The pediatric physical and occupational therapists at Duke have experience in splinting techniques for joint protection and injury prevention, as well as casting and taping techniques for improvement and facilitation of movement in the upper and lower extremities.  

The emphasis of the therapists are to work together with the families and child’s medical team to create a plan of care that is designed to address the goals of the patient and family and enable them to gain as much function and independence as possible. 

Physical Therapy Treatment

• Therapeutic exercise
• Functional mobility training
• Gait training
• Splinting and casting
• Kinesiotaping
• Equipment assessment and management
• Pain management

Occupational Therapy Treatment

• Therapeutic exercise
• Joint protection strategies
• Splinting and casting
• Kinesiotaping
• Activities of daily living (ADL) modifications