Pediatric Therapy Services

The Grundy County Memorial Hospital Therapy Services team is here to support the diverse needs of our patients, including pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

When Is Pediatric Therapy Appropriate?

Pediatric therapy can be beneficial for children facing various conditions, including:

  • Congenital Conditions: Some children are born with physical challenges that may require therapeutic intervention.
  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida may develop at birth or in utero, necessitating early therapy.
  • Developmental Delays: If you notice your child struggling to meet developmental milestones, a consultation with a physical therapist can provide valuable insights. Whether it’s simply needing guidance on movements or identifying underlying issues, early assessment is key.

Physical Therapy:

Pediatric physical therapists focus on improving strength, coordination, balance and motor skills to improve functional independence and participation. Skills they work in include:

  • Tummy time
  • Crawling
  • Walking
  • Jumping
  • Climbing

Speech Therapy

Pediatric speech therapists help infants, children and teens who have difficulties with communication, learning, and feeding or swallowing. Speech therapists assess the following areas:

  • Child's ability to put words together
  • How many words the child knows
  • How well the child makes certain speech sounds
  • What the child's voice sounds like
  • How well a child understands the words used by others, follows directions, remembers things and solves problems
Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapists focus on helping children become as independent as they can be in all areas of their lives. A child's "occupations" are playing, taking care of self, learning and interacting with others. Occupational therapists assess the following skills and areas:

  • Self care
  • Fine motor
  • Movement
  • Coordination
  • Vision
  • Oral motor
  • Feeding
  • Sensory
  • Handwriting
  • Social

How Soon Can Therapy Begin?

Timing is crucial in pediatric therapy. As soon as you notice a delay in your child’s physical development, it’s advisable to discuss it with your child’s healthcare provider. They can recommend whether a referral to therapy is appropriate.

In cases related to prematurity or diagnosed conditions, early evaluation is especially important.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the GCMH Therapy Services department at 319-824-5097.