Dayton Children’s physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R)

home // patients & visitors // services // rehabilitation // physical medicine and rehabilitation

physical medicine and rehabilitation

4.89 out of 5

pediatric rehabilitation medicine

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) at Dayton Children's specializes in the diagnosis and management of children with physically disabling conditions such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders and musculoskeletal conditions in order to maximize quality of life by improving function.

Pediatric rehabilitation medicine doctors are physicians trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation who provide evaluation, testing, diagnosis, and treatment planning as well as prescriptions for medications, equipment and therapy. PM&R physicians (also known as physiatrists) are experts in diagnosing and treating problems with nerve, muscles, bones and the brain in order to help your child improve functional independence. Our physicians have special training and experience in treating children and teenagers with disabilities.

Our physicians work closely with a multidisciplinary team including therapists, nurses, orthotists, prosthetists, psychologists, social workers and dieticians. They also collaborate with neurosurgery, neurology, orthopedics, therapy and sports medicine on a regular basis. Our PM&R department coordinates an individualized treatment plan to meet each child’s medical, behavioral, educational and social needs.

Load more

physical medicine and rehabilitation

4.89 out of 5

contact us request an appointment

The physical medicine and rehabilitation department welcomes phone calls to 937- 641-3025 during our normal business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

A physician referral is necessary prior to the child’s first outpatient visit. All follow up appointments will be made during your clinic visit or by calling central scheduling at 937-641-4000.

refer a patient mykidschart

meet our providers

view all

Michelle Potts, MD, Division Chief

physical medicine and rehabilitation

Backeljauw PM&R Dayton Children's

Barynia Backeljauw, MD

physical medicine and rehabilitation

Deborah Mowery, MD

physical medicine and rehabilitation

conditions and symptoms we treat

view all conditions

cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a “term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain that control movement and posture either during development or during early childhood. "Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle weakness/poor control. We provide a variety of resources and therapies can help and improve the quality of life for kids with CP.

learn more

spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that happens when a baby's backbone (spine) does not form normally. As a result, the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out of it may be damaged causing weakness in the trunk and lower extremities and sometimes difficulty with bowel and bladder function. Treatment for spina bifida depends on its severity. Because spina bifida can involve many different body systems, like the nervous and skeletal systems, children may need support from a team of medical professionals.

learn more

concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can present with symptoms including headache, difficulty concentrating, vision changes, difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, or memory difficulties. Anyone who has a head injury should be watched closely for signs of a concussion, even if the person feels OK. An undiagnosed concussion can put someone at risk for brain damage and even disability. So anyone who has any symptom of a concussion should be examined right away by a doctor.

learn more

torticollis

Torticollis is a condition in which infants and children have a hard time turning their heads because of tight neck muscles on one side of the neck. Children with torticollis keep their heads turned to one side and since it is hard to turn the head, they tend to keep their heads in the same position when lying down. Being cramped in the womb can sometimes contribute to torticollis. Our PM&R physicians will evaluate your child and develop a treatment plan that may include physical therapy, home stretching and possibly medical management with botulinum toxin injections to the tight muscles to improve range of motion.

learn more

muscular dystrophy and muscle disorders

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that gradually weakens the body's muscles. It's caused by incorrect or missing genetic information that prevents the body from making the proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles.

learn more

developmental delay

Children all develop and reach functional milestones at different paces. If you have concerns about your child’s development with fine motor (grasping/playing with small objects), gross motor (walking), or speech/language skills a PM&R physician can help to evaluate your child’s functional needs. Treatments may include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy, as well as a referral to Developmental Pediatrics (see link below).

learn more

spasticity

Spasticity is a muscle control disorder that is characterized by tight or stiff muscles and an inability to control those muscles. Spasticity is caused by an imbalance of signals from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the muscles. This imbalance is often found in people with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury.

learn more

preparing for your visit

Learn more about what you need to know before visiting our pediatric rehabilitation medicine department for your appointment.

learn more

additional resources

Get access to clinic specific forms and pediatric specific educational articles and resources.

learn more

physical therapy

At Dayton Children’s, our therapists engage your child in play activities while utilizing our proven therapy techniques to make therapy fun and effective allowing us to achieve amazing results that improve a child’s overall development.

learn more

occupational therapy

Our occupational therapy will engage your child in age appropriate play to encourage development of fine motor and cognitive skills.

learn more

speech

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.

learn more

audiology

The audiology specialists at Dayton Children’s are trained specifically in pediatrics and will work closely with your child’s primary care physician and other specialists on any hearing problems the child may be experiencing.

learn more

10/11/22 | news article Dayton Children's rehab patients get customized wheels at Go Baby Go! event Dayton Children’s and the University of Dayton hosted the annual Go Baby Go! event, a program that provides modified, ride-on cars to children with disabilities.

03/10/22 | patient story impairment and impact of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Unexplained pain lead Ashlynn to a life changing diagnosis

strep, strength and second chances

Adi overcame invasive group A strep with the support of Dayton Children's PICU and inpatient rehab.

learn more