Pediatric Programs

At NARA, we love the kiddos that our therapists help and understand how essential they are to their development. These pediatric patients would become adult patients if they weren’t treated by people specialized in the care of children. We want to take the time to acknowledge the tremendous benefits of pediatric programs. 

Post Injury

Some may think that therapy is mostly for adults, especially Occupational Therapy. However, Occupational Therapy helps anyone with physical, cognitive or sensory disabilities. Children do not have occupations, but they have activities that they like or need to do such as playing or activities of daily living. Occupational Therapists can help children regain independence. 

Therapy can help with post injuries such as a brain injury that impacts gross motor skills. 

When the gross motor function is lost or impaired, muscles are difficult to control. PTs and OTs will work with a child to develop muscle strength, flexibility and coordination. They’ll do this through engaging activities that children enjoy such as throwing balls and playing with therapeutic toys. Pediatric therapists are trained to be able to look out for growth spurts and know how to keep a child engaged when they feel uncomfortable. 

Surgery

Being in the hospital and having surgery limits a child’s ability to move and may hinder development. It is the role of pediatric therapists to ensure that they are able to return to complete their self-care tasks and regain movement and coordination. Pediatric programs include the family and the child/patient intensively in each treatment session in order to encourage the child. The goal is for the child to have active participation in every area of their life. 

Congenital

Pediatric therapists work with children ages 0-18. They are trained to be able to spot and treat development delays. They may help infants born prematurely to work on neck flexibility, crawling and tummy time. They may also help them with their ability to take milk from a bottle. They have an understanding of a child’s developmental milestones and how a congenital disability such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida or cystic fibrosis may impact it. 

Children don’t learn or deal with pain in the same way as adults. Their rehabilitation should be dealt with differently. Play, adaptive equipment and family involvement are essential to pediatric programs in order to make it a fun experience for the child so that they can enjoy school and home. Pediatric therapists are incredibly passionate about what they do and are an integral part of the therapy community. To learn more about ways you can help pediatric patients, visit NARA.