At The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists who work in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation treat children of all ages – newborns, infants, toddlers, adolescents and teenagers. These highly-skilled and certified pediatric therapists licensed by the State of New Jersey treat a wide array of diagnoses, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Children who may benefit from skilled therapy services include those with the following impairments:
- Birth injuries or congenital anomalies
- Gross and fine motor delay
- Torticollis
- Sensory integration dysfunction
- Feeding and swallowing dysfunction
- Craniofacial abnormalities
- Traumatic injuries (brain or spinal cord)
- Fluency and stuttering disorders
- Articulation and motor speech disorders
- Voice disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral Palsy
- Erb's Palsy
- Down's syndrome
- Orthopedic and neurological disorders and disabilities
An evaluation is performed by a licensed physical therapist and an individualized treatment plan of care is developed. In addition to addressing a child's physical wellbeing, pediatric physical therapists, pediatric occupational therapists and pediatric speech therapists take into consideration the psychological, social and environmental factors that affect them. Parental involvement in the physical therapy process is highly encouraged and recommended. The therapists consult with parents on an ongoing basis in regards to their child’s progress. Parental training in the techniques used in therapy can improve a child’s overall success and allow the child to practice skills learned in therapy outside the treatment sessions.
When children require specialized equipment for use at home, such as wheelchairs, splints, walking devices, bathing equipment, dressing devices or communication aids, Saint Peter’s physical therapists can assess their individual needs and order what is appropriate.
If your child may benefit from pediatric rehabilitation services, you will need a prescription from your child's doctor to initiate treatment. Depending on your insurance, a referral may also be necessary.
Contact our department at (732) 745-8570 with any questions or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment for pediatric physical therapy or pediatric occupational therapy rehabilitation services.
Call (732) 745-8501 with any questions or if you are interested to schedule an appointment for pediatric speech, language and swallow therapy.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.