Pediatric physical therapy helps your child recover from injury or surgery, reach gross motor milestones, and live the most mobile life that they can. At Highbar, we use evidenced-based practice, provide one-on-one care, and communicate with your child’s referring doctor and pediatrician. Our goal is to make physical therapy fun for your child through play, which includes access to private treatment space, aquatic therapy services, and specialized equipment.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Schedule an AppointmentWhat is pediatric physical therapy?
Find a Clinic for Pediatric Physical Therapy
Get Expert Pediatric Physical Therapy Treatment Near You
Why should my child see a pediatric physical therapist?
Our team is led by a Board-certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, which means your child is going to be in the most capable hands when you enter our facilities. We provide continuing education to our pediatric doctors to ensure that your child is always receiving the best care. What sets pediatric physical therapy apart from traditional physical therapy is that your child will work with someone who is intentional about providing an experience specific for your child to reach their movement and functional goals.
Child-Focused Physical Therapy for Growth and Development
Every child deserves the opportunity to move, play, and grow with confidence. Our pediatric therapy team specializes in treating children from infancy through adolescence, addressing challenges like developmental delays, coordination issues, and sensory processing disorders. Through fun, engaging activities, we help your child build the physical skills they need for success at home, at school, and on the playground.
Developmental coordination disorder
Developmental delays
Gait abnormalities
Genetic conditions
Neurological conditions
Orthopedic Issues
Sensory Processing Disorders
Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
Aquatic Therapy
Adding water to treatment creates a new sensory experience that increases input to the sensory system and allows much easier movement. Learn more
Balance Training
Working on uneven surfaces and single-leg stances to train their whole body to work as a unit and reduce falls.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Orthotic Recommendations
Assisting to determine medical necessity for additional equipment like standers, walkers, or wheelchairs that your child may need to reach their highest potential. Pediatric physical therapists are essential in helping you get this equipment covered by insurance.
Facilitation Techniques
Using hands-on adjustments to help your child move and develop, then teaching them how to do the movements at home.
Functional Training
Practicing stairs, climbing, crawling, obstacle courses in order to help your child navigate the home and community with more ease.
Sensory Equipment
Using items like trampolines, swings, bouncy chairs, and scooters allow a child to take breaks, do heavy work, and make progress towards playing on the playground.
Questions about Pediatric Physical Therapy? We’ve got answers.
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
Ask Us a QuestionWhen should my child see a pediatric physical therapist?
When you think your child might need physical therapy, it’s normal to feel concerned. The pediatric physical therapists at Highbar are here to help you calm your nerves and answer any questions you may have. Request an appointment with our experienced pediatric physical therapists to start your child on the path to a full, happy life. But if you’re unsure whether physical therapy is right for your child, request a phone consult with one of our pediatric physical therapists to discuss your child’s needs.
How do I know if my child needs physical therapy?
The easiest way to know is that their pediatrician has recommended physical therapy. Most insurance allow direct access to care, so you can also call Highbar and speak with one of our doctors to find out if physical therapy is right for your child. Other signs to consider physical therapy include: muscle tightness, difficulty feeding, or difficulty moving in infants; delayed milestones, such as not walking by 18 months, in toddlers; complaints of pain that do not go away after a few days in school-aged children; and injury or recurring injury in teenagers.
Where can my child receive care?
Every Highbar clinic treats youth through high school athletes and adolescents with pain or injury. We also offer specialized pediatric care for younger children and children with more complex needs. Specialized pediatric care is available in Cranston, Warwick, Richmond, Providence, and Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Will Highbar work with my child's other providers?
We’re happy to fax clinic notes to your child’s care team and collaborate as needed for seamless communication and treatment. We work closely with your child’s pediatrician, orthopedist, neurologist, physiatrist, orthotist, and any other members of their care team.
What can we expect on the first day?
You and your child will be greeted by one of our physical therapists, who will discuss your child’s history with you. We’ll then assess your child at their comfort level and tolerance, and build a plan of care and goals together. Follow-up visits will include evidence-based treatment designed to optimize your child’s progress.
How do I schedule my child for physical therapy?
You can submit a request here or call us at 401-726-7100.
Do you accept my insurance?
- We accept most major insurance plans at Highbar. See our full list of accepted providers: highbarhealth.com/insurance
How long will my child need physical therapy?
- Every child’s plan of care is individualized. Some children need only a few visits, while others benefit from more continuous care. Your child’s physical therapist will discuss their specific needs and goals with you to help determine the right duration of care.