Adolescents

We work with youth from age 5 to ensure the best quality of care. LeMoine PT creates a fun exercise environment where a child can rehab their injury and learn exercises that they can do at home so that they can get back in the game as quickly and safely as home, while also learning ways to prevent future injuries.

When working with our Adolescent patients, we place a great deal of focus on the specific goals of each child—-whether it is to get back to a sport such as gymnastics, basketball, or lacrosse; regain participation in school activities; or simply carry their backpack pain-free to school. All of these goals can be accomplished at LeMoine.

Our goal is to help children leave better than when they came in and teach them ways to prevent future issues and maintain proper fitness.

5 Reasons Why Physical Therapy is Important for Younger People

If you have adolescents at home who have been diagnosed with muscular-skeletal pain, you might be wondering if physical therapy can really help them get back on their feet and return to their normal life. After all, what do physical therapists do? Physical therapists are experts in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, including everything from sprains and strains to knee and ankle pain. Physical therapists are often consulted by health care professionals like doctors, nurses, chiropractors, and athletic trainers as well as by patients themselves in order to determine a specific course of action regarding their injuries. Contact a PT at LeMoine Physical Therapy today to start working with your child to help with any of the following areas:

1) Improve Fitness

Though people typically associate physical therapy with older adults, it can actually be very beneficial to those of all ages, especially adolescents. Kids are constantly on the go and playing hard, so they can use that sense of physical being drained by doing so many things. It's easy to think a few minutes spent lying down or just resting will do the trick. But you need to get that energy back and some help in figuring out how to use your body correctly in order to move again. We provide these resources by focusing on injury prevention and care, range of motion exercises for strength and flexibility, stretching and conditioning workouts, aerobic exercise plans designed to increase heart rate, coordination development strategies, education about healthy habits (such as nutrition), and much more!

2) Increase Flexibility

Flexibility is defined as the range of motion available at a joint. For athletes, this means being able to jump, sprint, change direction quickly and run without pain. Tight or stiff muscles can inhibit this flexibility. One way to increase it? Stretching! Hold stretches for 15-30 seconds (no more than 60 seconds). The body's physiological process allows these muscles to adjust better in response to stretching and eventually reach their new maximum length. Sometimes flexibility in adolescents is not what it should be, and that's where a PT comes into play!

3) Accelerate Healing Time

One of the major benefits of physical therapy is that it can accelerate the healing time. In a report done by the Ohio State University, for chronic conditions such as asthma, it has been shown that children who received weekly therapy saw an improvement in their quality of life and activity level in comparison to those who did not receive any treatments. Other conditions may require physical therapy on a daily basis until symptoms subside. These treatments work through sensory re-education so that a child's brain can relearn movement patterns which also reduces pain. This accelerates the recovery process because they're able to move without pain instead of favoring one side over another which can create compensatory problems.

4) Reduce Pain

Physical therapy can help with reducing the pain of over-use. It can help children re-learn how to use a joint by correcting the posture, range of motion, and alignment that could be causing the problem. For example, if your child is in pain when walking or running, this may mean that their hip needs to be moved back a little more or it could mean their leg is going too far forward as they take each step. A physical therapist will look at how these movement patterns affect your child's hip and help them fix the problem to relieve some of their pain.

5) Improve Posture

Poor posture can lead to physical issues, such as slouching, hunched shoulders, or slumped sitting. Slouching and hunched shoulders will make a person appear shorter and heavier, which may be the opposite of what you want to do if you're looking to increase your self-confidence! Leaning too far forward in your chair can also cause poor postural alignment and trigger neck pain. There are also certain medical conditions in children that cause bad posture, but a trained physical therapist can help with this!

If you have adolescents at home that are experiencing pain, contact a PT at LeMoine Physical Therapy today.

The Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Children

Physical therapy for children plays a crucial role in helping them achieve their full potential, especially when dealing with injuries, developmental delays, or chronic conditions. Our approach at LeMoine Physical Therapy focuses on enhancing mobility, strength, and coordination, which are essential for a child's overall development and well-being. Through tailored therapeutic exercises and activities, we aim to improve the quality of life for children and their families.

Enhancing Mobility And Independence

One of the primary goals of physical therapy is to enhance a child's mobility and independence. Many children face challenges that impede their ability to move freely, whether due to congenital conditions, injuries, or developmental delays. Physical therapy helps for children address these issues by strengthening muscles, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. As children gain greater mobility, they can participate more fully in daily activities, fostering a sense of independence and confidence.

Supporting Physical Development

Physical therapy is not only about addressing existing issues but also about supporting overall physical development. By engaging in therapeutic exercises, children develop better motor skills, coordination, and body awareness. This proactive approach can prevent future complications and promote healthy growth patterns. Early intervention is particularly beneficial, as it can significantly impact a child's long-term physical health.

Building Confidence Through Movement

Children who struggle with physical challenges often experience frustration and low self-esteem. Physical therapy helps build confidence by setting achievable goals and celebrating progress. Each small victory in therapy translates to greater self-assurance in daily life. As children see their abilities improve, they become more willing to try new activities and engage with their peers, leading to enhanced social interactions and emotional well-being.

Addressing Specific Conditions And Injuries

Physical therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, addressing specific conditions and injuries effectively. Whether dealing with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or recovering from a sports injury, therapy plans are customized to promote optimal recovery and development. Our therapists work closely with families to ensure that therapy is integrated into the child's routine, making it a seamless part of their daily life.

Fostering A Collaborative Environment

Successful physical therapy for children relies on a collaborative effort between therapists, parents, and children. We believe in fostering an environment where communication and cooperation are paramount. Parents play a critical role in supporting their children's therapy journey, and we provide guidance and resources to help them reinforce therapeutic activities at home. This teamwork approach ensures that children receive consistent support, both during therapy sessions and in their everyday environments.

Long-Term Benefits Of Physical Therapy

The benefits of physical therapy extend far beyond the immediate improvements in mobility and strength. Children who participate in therapy often experience better overall health, including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced respiratory function, and reduced risk of secondary complications. Moreover, the skills and habits developed during therapy can lead to a more active and healthy lifestyle, laying the foundation for lifelong well-being.

Our Commitment To Your Child's Success

With over seventeen years of experience, we are dedicated to helping children thrive through personalized physical therapy programs. Our team of skilled therapists at LeMoine Physical Therapy is committed to creating a supportive and engaging environment where every child can reach their potential. We understand the challenges that families face and are here to provide the guidance and support needed to navigate this journey successfully.

If you believe your child could benefit from physical therapy, we invite you to contact us today. Together, we can develop a plan that empowers your child and enhances their quality of life. Let’s take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future for your child.