Outdoor Pediatric Physical Therapy: What to expect at the playground-Part 2

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

Dynamic balance training on the swing

Camp PT at Robert F. Clement Playground is a great spot to progress balance, coordination, strength, mobility, endurance, confidence, and independence through highly-skilled pediatric physical therapy.

We have chosen this playground to allow kids of all abilities successful PT sessions.

Physical therapy at the playground will vary for each child, as we tailor each session to meet your child's specific needs and objectives. Nonetheless, here are a few elements that might be included in your child's session.

Activities your child may do

The playground environment provides easy access to many different exercises and activities. Here are a few exercises performed by PT Alyssa to demonstrate how we utilize the playground.

Single leg balance on a dynamic surface

Single leg balance

Standing on one leg is a great way to improve balance and hip strength. Adding a wobbling surface underneath further increases the challenge.

Goals:

-improve balance

-increase hip strength

-progress dynamic stability

Hammock swing on hands and knees

Hammock swing on hands and knees

The hammock swing is a very dynamic surface constantly rocking side to side. It provides a high challenge to balance, strength and the vestibular system.

Goals:

-improve core strength and endurance

-increase hip strength

-enhance dynamic balance

-vestibular training

Plank on ropes

Plank on ropes

Planks help to strengthen the core, and improve posture. The ropes add a challenge as they can move and sway, thus further improve strength and stability.

Goals:

-increase core strength

-improve posture

-enhance dynamic stability

Pushing the merry-go-round

Pushing the merry-go-round

Pushing a weighted object is good "heavy-work" to regulate the sensory system and improve proprioception. It also provides good leg strengthening

Goals:

-sensory regulation

-proprioception training

-leg strengthening

Hoopla swing

Hoopla swing

The Hoopla swing allow a variety of positions and challenges. In this image, she is strengthening her lateral core with side to side sways. This also improves her vestibular system.

Goals:

-core strength

-vestibular training

These are a few examples of how your child can be challenged and progress toward their goals with Camp PT at the playground.

Creative Care

Each session, we assess where your kid is at and what they feel like doing. We skillfully use what they prefer to do to create challenging activities that addresses their individual goals. We take pride in providing a valuable service to improve your child's strength, confidence and independence, all while "playing" at the playground.

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