Pediatric Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapy requires specialized pediatric knowledge and child-friendly interaction skills. We use our understanding of child development to:

• Help your child improve their motor skills
• Anticipate changes that may occur as your child grows
• Make recommendations to prevent complications or maintain health
• Connect children with innovative adaptive options when appropriate
• Educate parents and caregivers on strategies for the home and community setting
• Perform equipment evaluations for the home or community setting
• Orthotic evaluation and fitting

We provide physical therapy services to children who are hospitalized for conditions that require intensive or complex medical care across a wide range of specialties including neonatology, cardiology, oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, organ transplantation, orthopaedics, and more.

Evaluation and Treatment

Our hospital-based physical therapists evaluate and treat children in their hospital rooms as well as in our hospital therapy gym. We partner with each child and family to support recovery, promote development, and help children participate as fully as possible in the activities that are meaningful to them.

A Team Approach to Your Child’s Care

Your child’s care is a team effort. We work closely with their medical team; occupational and speech therapists; and child life staff to provide comprehensive and coordinated rehabilitation. Before discharge, we work with your family to identify strategies, equipment, and community resources that can help your child continue making progress outside the hospital.

The PediBridge program offers virtual physical therapy to provide timely, accessible therapy beyond the hospital and clinic. Through secure video visits, therapists partner with caregivers to address developmental needs, promote participation in daily routines, and monitor progress. Those who may benefit from PediBridge include:

• Infants and young children being discharged from the NICU, pediatric inpatient units, or specialty services
• Children with developmental concerns or at risk for developmental delay
• Families awaiting Early Intervention, outpatient therapy, or other developmental services
• Children who would benefit from caregiver coaching, developmental monitoring, or home-based recommendations
• Families facing barriers to accessing in-person therapy immediately following discharge

Comprehensive Evaluation

The first visit with a physical therapist is an evaluation. The evaluation includes observation, testing, and interviews with parents and children to determine what support is needed.

Your Child's Care Team

The evaluating therapist may see your child for treatment, or a different therapist may become your child’s therapist. Because Duke University Hospital is a teaching hospital, physical therapy students and volunteers may be part of your child’s care, with your permission. They are closely supervised by their clinical instructors.

Identifying Goals for Treatment

If physical therapy services are recommended, we work with your family to identify potential goals and a schedule for visits. Treatments take place in several spaces in our therapy locations, including private exam rooms, open play spaces, and a therapeutic pool.