October is PT Month!

National Physical Therapy Month: What PTs Do (and Why It Matters for Kids!)

October is National Physical Therapy Month—a time to celebrate the incredible work physical therapists do every day to help people move better, feel stronger, and live more active, confident lives.

At Milestones Therapy & Wellness, this month is especially meaningful because movement is at the heart of everything we do. As a pediatric physical therapist, I (Cheyenne) help babies and children reach important developmental milestones through movement, play, and connection.

Whether your child is learning to roll, crawl, or walk, building strength for sports, or overcoming challenges that make movement harder—pediatric PT helps them feel capable and confident in their body.

👣 So… What Does a Pediatric Physical Therapist Do?

A pediatric physical therapist (PT) is trained to evaluate and treat children who have challenges with:

• Movement and coordination

• Muscle strength or tone

• Balance and posture

• Gross motor skill development

Our goal is simple: to help children move as independently, comfortably, and joyfully as possible—at home, at school, and during play.

PT isn’t just for kids recovering from injuries. Many of the children I see are babies or toddlers working through developmental delays, or children with conditions like torticollis, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or low muscle tone who benefit from extra support to reach their full potential.

👶 Common Reasons Children See a PT

You might notice your child could benefit from PT if they have:

• Delayed motor milestones (not sitting, crawling, or walking on time)

• Toe-walking or unusual gait patterns

• Torticollis or flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)

• Muscle weakness, stiffness, or low tone

• Trouble with balance or frequent falling

• Difficulty keeping up with peers physically

• Neurological diagnoses (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida)

• Recovery needs after injury or surgery

Early intervention can make a big difference—supporting not only movement, but confidence, safety, and participation in everyday life.

🧠 PT Is More Than Just Exercise

One of the biggest myths about physical therapy is that it’s just about exercise. In pediatrics, PT looks and feels like play—because that’s how children learn best!

Through purposeful play, we work on skills like:

• Core strength and stability

• Balance and coordination

• Motor planning and body awareness

• Safe walking, running, climbing, and jumping

• Confidence and self-regulation through movement

You might see me using obstacle courses, scooter boards, therapy balls, swings, or musical movement games—each activity designed to help your child’s body and brain work together.

🧩 PTs Are Part of the Bigger Picture

At Milestones Therapy & Wellness, we believe in a collaborative, whole-child approach. As a pediatric PT, I often work closely with:

• Families and caregivers

• Pediatricians and specialists

• Occupational and speech therapists

• Lactation consultants (IBCLCs)

• Chiropractors and massage therapists

Together, we create a comprehensive care plan that meets your child’s unique needs. This might include:

• Home exercise programs

• Movement and play strategies for daily routines

• Equipment recommendations (like orthotics or walkers)

• Modifications for school or play environments

When everyone works together, children make incredible progress—and parents feel empowered to continue that growth at home.

❤️ The Heart of Pediatric PT

Pediatric physical therapy is about more than movement—it’s about connection, confidence, and joy.
As a PT specializing in infant development, movement patterns, sensory integration, and parent education, I love helping families understand the “why” behind what their child is doing and how to support progress in everyday moments.

Every milestone—whether it’s rolling over, taking first steps, or running across the playground—is worth celebrating. And sometimes, a little expert guidance helps those moments come just a bit easier.

🧍 Could Your Child Benefit from PT?

If your child:

• Seems clumsy or uncoordinated

• Tires easily

• Struggles with balance or motor skills

• Isn’t meeting milestones on time

…a physical therapy evaluation can help uncover what’s going on and how to support their development.

At Milestones Therapy & Wellness, we combine movement, play, and evidence-based techniques to help children thrive—building strong bodies, connected minds, and confident movers.

🎉 Celebrate With Us This Month!

This National Physical Therapy Month, we’re celebrating all the amazing PTs—and families—who make movement matter.

Take a moment to thank your child’s PT with a card, drawing, or simple “thank you.”
And most importantly, celebrate every step, every skill, and every milestone along the way. 💛