What is pediatric physical therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy is a therapy service provided by a licensed physical therapist designed to evaluate a child's orthopedic structure, neuromotor status, and sensory-motor status, and to assess a child’s strengths and weaknesses in order to develop the child's strengths to gain improved mobility and motor function. A child's physical therapy program may consists of stretching and strengthening, gait training, balance activities, adaptive equipment recommendations, massage, and/or specialized manual techniques, all geared toward helping the child attain his/her maximum level of functional motor control.

What is pediatric occupational therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy is a therapy service provided by a licensed occupational therapist designed to evaluate and treat self-help skills, adaptive behavior and play, and sensory, motor, and postural development. Occupational therapy helps the child develop adaptive or physical skills that will aid in daily living and improve interactions with the physical and social world. It focuses on developing functional skills related to sensory-motor integration, coordination of movement, fine motor skills, self-help skills (dressing, feeding, etc), adaptive devices/equipment, computer keyboarding, and positioning for school work. Occupational therapy can also address visual motor integration, visual processing, visual memory, and visual perceptual abilities.

What is an NDT certification?

Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a treatment approach originally designed for the treatment of children with cerebral palsy. NDT is now used for the treatment of children with movement dysfunction resulting from a central nervous system injury or disorder; this may include many different diagnoses. Therapists who have completed an NDT certification course have attainted the equivalent of eight weeks of intensive training, including practicum, geared specifically at improving evaluation and treatment techniques used with infants and children with special needs. NDT trained therapists learn to assess the child’s strengths and impairments and address them in relation to functional abilities and limitations.

What if I'm not sure if my child needs physical or occupational therapy?

A good place to start is with your child's pediatrician. Express any concerns you may have about your child's development and request a referral for an evaluation by a physical or occupational therapist. A licensed physical or occupational therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation on your child, and listen carefully to any and all concerns you as a parent have regarding your child's development. If delays are noted and services are recommended, the evaluating therapist may contact your child's physician to discuss a plan of care. Physical and occupational therapy evaluations are covered by most major insurance companies as well as Georgia Medicaid. Our billing staff can help you determine if you have coverage for a physical and/or occupational therapy evaluation for your child.

If I am concerned about my infant's development, how long should I wait to call?

Some infants are diagnosed at birth with a disorder that may affect development. If this is the case, therapy services may be initiated while the infant is still in the hospital. Physical and occupational therapy services can also be provided in the infant's home when he/she leaves the hospital and can begin as soon as the family is ready. Motor skill charts provide parents with approximate ages at which infants should be able to master certain skills such as rolling over. If you are concerned that your child is displaying delayed acquisition of motor skills, or if your infant feels stiff or floppy when you are holding him/her, speak with your pediatrician and request a physical or occupational therapy evaluation. A licensed therapist on our team will evaluate your infant in your home to determine if the delay in motor skills will require intervention. Infants as young as newborns can be effectively evaluated if a parent has concerns.

Do I need a prescription from my doctor to see a physical or occupational therapist?
	Yes, in order to receive an evaluation or treatment from a physical or occupational therapist in our practice, we must first have a written prescription from your child's pediatrician or specialist. Some insurance companies including Georgia Medicaid have additional requirements. If you are unsure what documentation is needed, please call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

Will therapy services be covered by my insurance?
	Insurance plans vary immensely. If you are unsure if physical and/or occupational therapy services are covered by your plan, please contact our office and our billing specialist will be happy to assist you in determining your child's specific coverage.

Can I obtain registration forms on your website?
	Yes. Please download and print each of the forms below. Completed forms may be given to your child's therapist at his/her first visit. Registration Form Release Form HIPAA Form