Outdoor Pediatric Physical Therapy: What to expect at the playground-Part 1

What pediatric physical therapy at the playground might look like for your child.

This spring, Camp PT will be held at Robert F. Clement Playground. This playground is a great spot for pediatric physical therapy, providing the space for kids to progress balance, coordination, strength, mobility, endurance, confidence, and independence.

This playground is selected to allow children of all abilities to engage in PT. We individualize our treatment approach to meet your child at their current level and help them improve their skills.

Robert F. Clement Playground's accessible ramp play structure.

Physical therapy at the playground will look different for every child as we focus each session toward your child's individual needs and goals. However, here is a few things your child's session may include.

Equipment We May Use

We love utilizing the playground in a creative way to provide physical therapy while keeping it fun. Here is a few areas of the playground we use often. Each of these pieces of equipment or areas of the playground can help in a variety of ways.

Accessible adaptive swing

Hammock swing

We love the swings to improve core strength and vestibular input. The swing on the left offers an easier accessible swing for kids using a wheelchair or adaptive equipment. The hammock swing on the right offers an increased balance challenge.

Roller Table

The roller table is a great place for side stepping for hip strengthening, pulling for arm strengthening and more. It also allows sensory input to aid in sensory regulation.

Rope Jungle Gym

The rope jungle gym provides opportunities for various activities such as climbing, balancing, planking, and hanging. These exercises help improve issues like coordination deficits, balance problems, and weaknesses in the legs, core, and arms.

Playground hill, slides, pump track

This image of the hill at the playground highlights several areas that can enhance strength, coordination, navigation skills, and balance. The rollers at the base offer a range of surfaces with varying inclines and declines to boost navigation skills. The larger hill serves as a space for walking or climbing up and sliding down.

Play structure with slide

Utilizing this play structure can assist with skills in climbing, navigating stairs, and sliding. These activities aid in strengthening the core and legs, and improving coordination.

Customized Pediatric Physical Therapy

We love using this playground to help each kid reach their individual goals, whether it be to improve coordination, helping your kid fall less, improve transfers on and off their wheelchair, improving age appropriate skills or reaching gross motor milestones. Each outdoor pediatric physical therapy session is curated for your child and uses the engaging equipment at the playground to encourage best outcomes.

To have your child reach their full potential, join us for physical therapy outside! Register for Camp PT now!