Pediatric Physical Therapy
At Northwestern Medicine, our licensed physical therapists offer one-on-one therapy to help your child improve their mobility, strength and endurance. Our goal is to help your child achieve the highest possible level of function and independence, leading to a better quality of life.
First, your child’s physical therapist will assess your child’s abilities and developmental level. Then, they will use a unique blend of exercise and therapeutic play to improve and develop your child’s abilities, such as:
- Function
- Mobility
- Balance
- Movement
- Independence
Your child’s physical therapy may include exercise techniques and specially designed equipment.
Conditions
- Balance disorders
- Birth injuries and defects
- Brain injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Down syndrome
- Fussy baby
- Gait training
- General mobility
- Genetic disorders
- Gross motor delay
- Movements disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Orthopaedic disabilities
- Pelvic health and incontinence
- Plagiocephaly
- Posture
- Prematurity
- Range of motion
- Scoliosis
- Sensory processing disorder
- Spinal cord injury
- Sports fitness and injuries
- Sports injuries
- Strength and coordination
- Toe walking
- Torticollis
- Wheelchair fitting and training
Programs to Fit Your Child’s Needs
Outpatient Rehabilitation
This type of rehabilitation is for children who need one or more types of therapy to improve their function and independence. We offer several types of outpatient therapy, including:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Neuropsychology
Day Rehabilitation
This type of outpatient care is for children who need a combination of physical, occupational and/or speech-language therapies after a recent hospitalization or significant change in their status.
Your child will have a case manager who will help the care team provide and coordinate therapy for your child.
We only offer this type of care at certain Northwestern Medicine outpatient rehabilitation locations.
The services we offer and conditions we treat vary by location. For more information or to schedule a physical therapy appointment for your child, please call 630.933.1500
Inpatient Rehabilitation
At Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, our compassionate, multidisciplinary care team is with you and your child every step of the way. We will work with your family to help your child reach their goals while offering a wide range of rehabilitation options tailored to your child’s needs.
Inpatient therapy sessions are intended to maximize your child's recovery. Children typically receive up to 15 hours of therapy per week, dependent on their needs.
For more information or admission to the inpatient program, click here or call 630.909.8920
Meet the Team
Pediatric physiatrists – physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation for children and young adults – help your child achieve their highest level of function and become more independent. They treat various diagnoses and conditions and may recommend treatment options specific to your child’s needs, including therapy.