What does a Physical Therapist do at BrightStart Pediatrics?

 

Pediatric physical therapists provide evaluation and treatment to infants and children with gross motor skills difficulties. Gross motor skills include rolling, crawling, walking, running, climbing, and jumping – just to name a few.

Within the PPEC setting the physical therapist works closely with the nurses, aides, occupational therapist and speech therapist to help each child reach their maximum potential for functional independence. Physical therapy activities include developmental activities (rolling, crawling, tummy time, etc.), balance and coordination skills, endurance, gait training (learning to walk) strengthening, range of motion, tone management, and home programs so that parents may actively participate in the treatment of their child.

The pediatric physical therapist also assists in obtaining appropriate equipment such as orthotics (braces), walkers, gait trainers, standing frames and wheelchairs.

Pediatric physical therapists are licensed by the state and have specialty training to work with children with many different diagnoses and conditions. Pediatric physical therapists are required to attend educational training courses throughout the year to remain up to date on evidence-based treatment.

 

Donna Doxsee , BrightStart Orlando

I am a native Floridian born and raised in Marco Florida. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. I have worked with medically complex children for the past eight years and love it. I have two children, and welcomed my first granchild in 2011, a wonderful baby boy!