Answers to Common Questions on Pediatric Physical Therapy

Daisy Kids Care Answers Your Physical Therapy FAQs

At Daisy Kids Care in Houston, TX, we offer physical therapy for children in the area. Physical therapy is used to improve movement, strength, and flexibility in your child. We understand that transportation and timing can sometimes be an issue for parents trying to schedule a PT appointment. That is why our team of licensed and experienced physical therapists can come to your home to work with your child in a familiar setting. We will work with your child and their support system to ensure that they are getting the right treatment to improve. If you’d like to schedule a physical therapy appointment for your child, contact us today.

What Are Some Common Diagnosis You Treat?

Our physical therapists are trained and experienced in providing therapy for a comprehensive range of diagnosis. Whatever the reason, you can trust our team to offer your child compassion and effective physical therapy to better their life by strengthening their muscles and improving mobility. Some of the conditions that we have helped children with include:

• Traumatic Injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Autism
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Scoliosis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• And More

How Much Will Physical Therapy Cost?

The price range for physical therapy varies on many factors, including the extent of the injury and the type of physical therapy required. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25-$150, depending on the payment method. At Daisy Kids Care, we accept private pay as well as other payments through insurance, including:

• In-Network Insurance – United Healthcare
• Out-of-Network – All Other
• Traditional Medicaid
• CHIP
• Medicaid Managed Care Organizations

When Should I Bring My Baby Into Physical Therapy?

Every child develops differently, and as parents, it’s important not to compare your child’s development to another. The physical therapists at Daisy Kids Care offer same-week evaluations for their patients. We strongly believe that early intervention and physical therapy can significantly help improve your child’s development. We are highly-skilled and trained to observe the warning signs that your child may require pediatric physical therapy. However, if you notice your child doing the following, you may wish to contact us.

• Can’t bear weight on their legs by six months
• Is unable to sit up by eight months
• Is unable to crawl by 12 months
• Walks on tiptoes for more than six months

How Long Will It Take for My Kids to Get Better?

At Daisy Kids Care, we customize every treatment plan to ensure that your child receives the best care to maximize recovery. Recovery varies depending on the reason for physical therapy but typically lasts between six and eight weeks. We will work closely with you to create a timeline for recovery that ensures your child’s safety and health. Every child’s path to recovery is unique, and our compassionate and knowledgeable physical therapists are here to cultivate a relationship of trust to ensure the best results.

What Is the Difference Between Muscle Tone and Strength?

When it comes to physical therapy, there are two different things we focus on: muscle tone and muscle strength. It’s essential that parents understand the intention of their child’s physical therapy so they can accurately account for improvement and have a clearer idea of what success looks like.

• Muscle Tone – Muscle tone is defined as the continuous and passive-partial contraction of the muscle. It is essential because it allows your body to maintain balance and react, unconsciously, to internal and external stimuli.
• Muscle Strength – Muscle strength is the body’s ability to use force to move or lift an item. It is an essential aspect of injury recovery and physical therapy.

Why Is “Tummy Time” Important?

Tummy time is an integral part of your child’s early strength development. Placing them on their stomach while awake and supervised will help them develop muscle in their shoulder, arms, and neck that become critical as they grow older. Tummy time can start from the very first day in which you and your baby return home from the hospital. We recommend you begin with a total of 15 minutes a day split up into smaller 3-5 minute sessions and then gradually increase the amount of tummy time as your child gets older.

Does My Child Need a Pediatric Helmet?

If your child has a flat spot on their head that lasts for longer than four months, a cranial helmet may be suggested. A cranial helmet will gently shape your baby’s skull as they grow. For the best results, it should be recommended between the ages of four to six months. Cranial helmets are safe and won’t cause any pain or discomfort to your child.