Pediatric Rehab Overview
Children with disabilities, disease, injuries or other health conditions that impair or limit their physical abilities can often benefit from rehabilitation programs. These programs help restore or improve limitations caused by health conditions to help improve the child's quality of life
Pediatric rehabilitation programs often include physical and occupational therapy to help improve the child's gross and fine motor skills through as series of exercises and activities. These therapies are often successful in improving skills and helping your child gain more independence over time.
At Millers Children's Hospital, we have several rehabilitation specialists on staff that work one-on-one with your child to achieve the best possible results. Rehab programs are designed specifically for your child's individual condition, and may last for several weeks, months or throughout the child's life.
Physical rehabilitation programs aim to improve:
- Balance and coordination
- Muscle control
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Endurance
- Gross motor development
- Gait
- Prevention of injuries
It is important to keep your child as active as possible to promote a healthy lifestyle and continuous improvement and independence. To learn more about our rehab services, please call us today to speak with one of our experienced doctors.
Physicals
Routine physicals are recommended for children of all ages. Infants should be seen once every few months, but older children usually only need a yearly appointment. During a routine physical, the doctor will perform a complete physical examination to monitor growth and development as well as detect any changes or abnormalities. Immunizations may be administered as well. We also provide specific physical examinations required by your child's school.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a series of treatment sessions designed to help improve motor skills associated with movement. These sessions are designed to specifically address your child's needs and work on achieving the best possible results. One of our experienced doctors will evaluate your child and his or her physical limitations, and design a program to effectively improve those limitations.
Physical therapy is often performed on children who are disabled or have developmental delays as a result of:
- Birth defects
- Injury
- Disease
- Complications of other condition
Children with these conditions may experience abnormal muscle tone, impaired balance, weakness, poor coordination or a decrease in functional movement. A child who once had functional independence may now rely on others for assistance with everyday tasks. These challenges can often be overcome through effective physical therapy, which aims to improve functionality and let children enjoy the independence of performing everyday tasks.
These programs may be administered just once or twice, or on a regular basis for several months or years. Each child will have an individual program designed specifically for him or her. Please call us today to learn more about our physical therapy services.
Sports Physicals ( Preparticipation Physical Examinations )
A sports physical exam, also known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), is a thorough medical examination that determines whether or not it is safe for an athlete to participate in a particular sport. Sports physicals are often required for children and teens before they are allowed to join a team sport and are usually repeated before each season.
A sports physical includes a detailed medical history that is usually on a form filled out prior to the exam. The physical part of the exam includes:
- Recording height and weight
- Checking blood pressure and pulse
- Vision test
- Heart, lungs, abdomen, ear, nose and throat examination
- Evaluating posture, strength and flexibility
Some exams may also require an electrocardiogram or EKG to further measure the heart. The confirmed healthy results ensure that an athlete is physically capable of participating in his or her chosen sport. At Miller Children's Subspecialty Group, we offer sports physicals to provide confirmation for schools or other sports organizations of our patients' health.
Minor Laceration Repairs
Lacerations or wounds are common injuries that often occur from the skin hitting an object and most commonly affect the scalp, face, legs, arms, hands and feet. Minor lacerations are often short and shallow, but may be bleeding and can always be at a risk for infection.
The main goal of laceration repair is to stop the bleeding and stabilize the child if he or she is feeling faint. Laceration repair usually includes cleaning and preparing the wound, before closing it with stitches, staples or adhesive strips. Follow up care may be required to remove the closure material and monitor the healing process. Most minor lacerations heal successfully with no complications.
