What is Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT)?
Pediatric physical therapy helps children develop the strength, coordination, balance, and movement skills they need to join in everyday activities with confidence — from playground games to the school day.​​
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What PT Can Help With
Gross Motor Skills
Strengthening the large muscle groups for:
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Walking, running, skipping, jumping
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Climbing stairs
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Kicking and throwing a ball
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Riding a bike or scooter
Balance and Coordination
Helping kids stay steady and move smoothly in activities such as:
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Standing on one foot
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Navigating uneven surfaces
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Changing direction quickly without falling
Core Strength and Posture
Supporting the trunk muscles for:
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Staying upright at a desk
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Keeping up sports or dance
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Sitting comfortably for circle time
Flexibility and Range of Motion
Stretching and movement to improve mobility and prevent stiffness.
Endurance and Stamina
Building the ability to keep up with peers in physical activities without excessive fatigue.
Gait Training
Improving the way a child walks or runs, including use of orthotics if needed.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Supporting healing and return to activities after injury or surgery.
Both occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) address core strength, since a strong trunk is the foundation for learning, play, and daily activities. OTs often work on core strength as part of posture, coordination, and functional tasks (like sitting upright at a desk, playing on the floor, or managing self-care). PTs also target core strength, with an emphasis on gross motor development, balance, endurance, and movement patterns for activities like running, climbing, or sports.
PT in Schools vs. Outside of School
In Schools
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Focuses on mobility and motor skills directly needed to access the school environment (e.g., moving between classrooms, navigating stairs, participating in PE)
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Services are typically limited in scope and frequency
Outside of School
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Broader range of services, including sports readiness, injury prevention, and recreational participation
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Can address endurance, coordination, and goals beyond the classroom
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Often has access to more specialized equipment and space
In short, school PT focuses on access to education, while private or clinic-based PT can address a broader range of physical skills and goals.
When to Consider PT
Your child may benefit from PT if they:
Seems less steady on their feet or falls more often than peers
Show delays in walking, running, jumping, or climbing
Seem to have a weak core or struggle to maintain good posture
Are recovering from an injury, surgery, or medical condition affecting movement
Have difficulty keeping up physically with friends
Avoid playground or active games
Have joint tightness, stiffness, or unusual walking patterns
Get tired quickly during physical play or avoid active games altogether
Questions to Ask a PT Provider
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What ages and needs do you work with most often?
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Are there certain diagnoses or ages you do not work with?
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Will you complete an evaluation before starting, and how do you set goals?
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Do you provide a home exercise program?
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How do you measure and share progress?
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Do you collaborate with my child’s school or other providers?
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What is your waitlist time?
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How do you involve parents in sessions or home practice?
Why the NDC Might Refer to PT
At the Neurodevelopmental Collective, our evaluations include a motor screening for younger children and a broad motor screening for older children to understand how gross motor skills fit into your child’s overall developmental profile.
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If concerns are mainly about movement, PT may be the best first step.
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If motor challenges may be linked to a broader developmental or neurological difference, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify the root cause before starting therapy.
We work closely with PT providers and can help connect you with a professional who matches your child’s needs and goals.
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