Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical therapy

For many types of diseases and disorders, physical therapy is an important component of treatment. Physical therapy helps children improve their level of functioning so that they can live as productive and independent a life as possible. Our physical therapists tailor each patient’s program to his or her individual needs and developmental abilities. We also encourage family involvement in treatment so that the children can continue to work on improving their abilities while at home.

Physical therapy services at Shriners Hospitals for Children^® may include:

• Teaching safe methods of transporting/transferring patients after surgery
• Instruction about appropriate exercises for increase strength and mobility, including walking
• Adaptive activities such as hand bikes
• Therapy disguised as play using tools like the Wii gaming system or Game Bike equipment
• Aquatic therapy
• Training to use an assistive device, brace or prosthesis

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is another way we help children prepare for the transition to home and community, or to improve their daily functioning skills. Occupational therapy focuses on all the things one does with the hands, such as dressing, grooming, bathing and eating. An occupational therapist may evaluate and work with your child following a surgery, to help with adapting to a prosthetic device or as part of his or her overall treatment plan.