physical therapy
why families choose physical therapy at Dayton Children’s
service overview
Dayton Children’s pediatric physical therapy team helps children build strength, mobility and confidence through expert care designed to support their growth and recovery.
why families choose physical therapy at Dayton Children’s
At Dayton Children’s, our pediatric physical therapy team is dedicated to helping children of all ages improve strength, mobility and coordination so they can reach their fullest potential. We understand that every child’s needs are different, which is why our therapists take time to get to know your child, using advanced evaluation tools and family input to guide personalized care. Whether your child is recovering from surgery, building new skills after an injury, or managing a lifelong condition, we focus on functional progress that supports their independence and confidence. In partnership with families, physicians and other specialists, we make sure every child has the opportunity to move, play and thrive.
physical therapy services available
Our pediatric physical therapy program offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services to meet each child’s unique needs. From early developmental support to sports injury recovery, our therapists create personalized plans to help every child move, play and live more fully.
Physical therapy is offered for patients admitted to the hospital to help children prepare for discharge and return to home. Inpatient physical therapy is designed to increase strength, flexibility and function including bed mobility skills, transfers (moving from the bed to the chair), and getting to the bathroom or even out of the house. Crutches or walker training is often required to help a patient return to walking after an injury or surgery. Some patients who are admitted for longer admissions may require physical therapy to keep up with strength, endurance, or developmental milestones during the hospital stay.
Inpatient physical therapy is offered 7 days per week based upon the recommended frequency of therapy. Once evaluated, PT is provided at the frequency required to meet goals. This can range from three times per week to three times per day if needed in preparation for discharge.
Inpatient physical therapy is also provided in the NICU to help with positioning and development for the preterm and term newborns requiring additional developmental support. Physicians and nurse practitioners in the NICU determine when the infant is medically stable for physical therapy services.
We treat patients from birth to 21 with delays in gross motor skills milestones due to neurological disorders ranging from premature birth to brain tumors to trauma.
Some of the services we offer patients include:
- Wheelchair assessments
- Adaptive equipment assessment (walker, gait trainer, bath seat etc…)
- Training for use of orthotics and prosthetics
- Training for mobility and assistive devices
Our pediatric ortho rehab team supports children with expert care for mobility, strength, coordination and developmental milestones related to their specific condition such as a sports injury, orthopedic conditions and neurological conditions like Cerebral Palsy and more.
Learn more about the services offered by the orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy team.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy aimed at treating the muscles of the pelvic floor, core and hips. At Dayton Children’s, this therapy is provided by physical therapists who are specially trained in pediatric pelvic floor rehabilitation.
The goal is to support children and their caregivers with body and behavioral modifications that promote successful urination and defecation, as well as help manage pelvic or abdominal pain. Therapy also addresses core, hip, and diaphragmatic strengthening, along with pelvic flexibility and mobility training, to support overall function and wellbeing.
conditions we treat
Dayton Children’s supports the treatment of a wide range of pediatric conditions through physical therapy.
physical therapy programs and clinics
Children with cerebral palsy often need care from many specialists. At Dayton Children’s, we bring the experts to one place—so your child can receive coordinated, comprehensive care and a personalized treatment plan without the stress of multiple appointments. Our clinic is led by a developmental pediatrician and includes specialists in rehabilitation, orthopedics, nutrition, therapy, and more, all working together to support your child’s health and development from birth through young adulthood.
Dayton Children’s pediatric chronic pain management clinic brings together experts from psychology, physical therapy, anesthesiology, and other specialties, all in one place. The clinic focuses on non-opioid treatments and includes a 10-week program designed to help kids build strong coping skills through physical therapy, mental health support and holistic techniques like massage and relaxation. For some patients, interventional procedures may also be part of their care plan. Our goal is to help your child manage pain in a safe, supportive and lasting way.
news and blogs
Stay up-to-date with the latest insights from Dayton Children’s Hospital. Explore expert tips, updates and real-life insights designed to support your child’s growth and recovery.
patient stories
Real families, real results. These stories show how our pediatric physical therapy team helps kids over challenges and reach their goals. Explore how Dayton Children’s care has gone above and beyond for kids just like yours.
before your visit
Patients are referred to the Dayton Children’s physical therapy department by a referring physician. This may be their primary care physician or a specialist. Your appointment will be made through central scheduling. If you need to see other services under rehabilitation we will work with you to ensure you can see all of these on the same day in most cases.
If your child wears glasses, please remember to bring them to each appointment.
for your visit
For all visits to physical therapy please make sure your child is wearing comfortable and loose clothing and bring:
- Insurance information
- Any brace or orthotics
- Any required forms from your child’s school
- Names and contact information for anyone else you would like to be included in the care plan. These may include doctors or school officials.
what to expect during your visit
Your child’s first physical therapy appointment typically begins with an evaluation. The therapist will ask questions about your child’s:
- Development
- Daily routine
- Favorite activities
- Any concerns you may have – such as delays in milestones or school performance.
Using age-appropriate play and activities, the therapist will observe your child’s fine motor skills and overall function.
After the evaluation, you’ll receive feedback on your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. If therapy is recommended, a personalized treatment plan will be created, along with a home program to support progress between sessions.
find more resources for your visit
Get checklists, resources, and helpful tips for before, during, and after your visit to Dayton Children’s—so you know exactly what to expect.
hours & locations
Our pediatric physical therapy team sees patients at Dayton Children’s locations across the region.
next steps for rehabilitation care
If you think your child may benefit from pediatric rehabilitation services, talk with your primary care provider about a referral to Dayton Children’s.
