Physical Therapy
The physical therapy team works on all motor (movement) impairments including development delays, genetic diagnosis, neurological issues, short-term rehabilitation, pediatric orthopedic and sports injuries, torticollis and plagiocephaly, balance and coordination impairments, independent mobility, power mobility, tone management, postural issues, as well as orthotics and prosthetics. Physical therapy focuses on important motor skills of the developing child or young adult such as balance, strength, coordination, and walking. They support trials to identify special adaptive equipment to support in exploring their environments.
Expert Care
As part of our Anne Carlsen standard of care, we continually strive to advance our ability to meet the complex and unique needs of those we serve. The following specialty areas are vital components of our approach to Physical Therapy services.
Specialized Pediatric Treatment
Our therapists specialize in treating simple motor dysfunction and injuries to complex conditions. Anne Carlsen PT’s specialize in treatment of orthopedic impairments, plagiocephaly/torticollis, vestibular and balance impairments related to neuromuscular disorders, orthotic and prosthetic recommendations, and motor dysfunction in autism. They specialize in treatment for gross motor impairments for premature infants, spinal cord injury, joint deformities, and scoliosis.
Tone Management
Muscle tone is the state of muscle tension when your body is at rest. Your child may be observed to have low muscle tone, normal muscle tone, or high muscle tone. Muscle tone has an impact on postural control and postural stability and control of your body that is necessary to stay upright and stabilize you during movement. Although muscle tone doesn’t change, therapy will help your child find ways to strengthen and stretch specific muscles to make movement easier and help your child find strategies for managing their muscle tone.
Wheelchair Seating and Mobility
Focusing on mobility solutions for infants through adults. We can explore a variety of options to support those with challenges to explore, learn and engage. This is a team approach and developed to assist parents with funding and ongoing adjustments as the individual grows and develops.
Aquatic Therapy Services
Children and area adults experience the many benefits of the community’s only therapeutic, temperature-controlled pool. Direct therapy is provided to children and young adults with special needs. Individual adaptive swimming lessons provide children with special needs the opportunity to gain important safety skills and confidence in the water.
Integrated Services
Through collaboration and our continuum of services, we utilize a team approach in order to provide individualized and person-centered services. For individuals receiving Physical Therapy, the following departments and services are vital components of this continuum.
Speech Therapy
Our professionals are educated and trained to evaluate and treat children with speech, language and swallowing problems. The speech therapy team will focus on developmental areas including talking, understanding, social interactions and engagement as well as address feeding and swallowing problems.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy treats the whole person. As occupational therapists, we look at the individual’s participation while engaging in daily routines, such as play, activities of daily living, education, leisure, and social interactions.
Assistive Technology
Anne Carlsen has a variety of low-tech to high-tech options of assistive technology to support all individuals. An assessment to determine abilities and limitations happens over time and assistive technology is used to promote independence and engagement.