Does your 9 month old need help sitting up?

Is your 15 month old not walking?

Does your child have a movement disorder
such as cerebral palsy?

Is your child unusually “stiff” or “floppy”?

If the answer to any of the above is “yes,” physical therapy intervention can:
•	Facilitate normal developmental progress
•	Inhibit development of tight muscles
•	Increases joint range of motion and muscle strength.
•	Increases endurance for gross motor activities.
•	Increases movement patterns the child is able to use.
•	Improves coordination.
•	Increases ability to move from one position to another.
•	Improves posture in sitting, standing, and walking.
•	Improves balance across a variety of surfaces and positions
•	Help your child function as independently as possible
•	Make recommendations regarding appropriate adaptive equipment
•	Teach you how to help your child at home, during your everyday activities

Most services can be provided at our office, at home, or at school.

THE ABOVE IS IMPLEMENTED FOLLOWING A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION BY A PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST.

Georgia Merrifield, PT, PCS, heads up Healing Bridge’s pediatric services. She has been working in the field of pediatric physical therapy since 1970.

Call today to get your child moving and playing with ease and freedom!

by Georgia Merrifield MS, PT, PCS

Babies develop motorically in essentially the same sequence, but the timing varies significantly. For example, the "normal" age range for initiation of walking is 9 to 18 months.

Give your baby lots of time on the floor when awake, initially on his/her stomach. Your baby needs to "practice" his/her movements thousands of times before they are smooth and useful.

"Baby proof" your home so your baby does not get hurt while practicing and so you do not have to overuse the word "No!".

Allow your baby to self-feed, first with finger foods, as soon as he/she is bringing toys to the mouth. At first, this will be messy, but remember, practice makes perfect!

Avoid prolonged use of walkers and jumpers as they promote atypical use of the muscles and can be dangerous.

Talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following:

•	Poor head control after 3 months of age.
•	Stiff or rigid arms or legs.
•	Arching of the back.
•	Uses only one side of the body or only arms to crawl.