FAQs

Yes, you do need a doctor’s referral for your child to receive ABA therapy at Riverbend Pediatric Therapy in Covington and Hammond, LA.

Yes, you have the right to choose the pediatric therapy clinic that best suits your child’s needs and your preferences. According to “The Patient’s Bill of Rights,” you have the autonomy to make decisions about your child’s healthcare, including selecting the pediatric therapy clinic that aligns with your goals and expectations. You are not obligated to attend any specific clinic recommended by a medical practitioner or insurance company. At Riverbend Pediatric Therapy, we respect your right to choose the best care for your child.

Scheduling an appointment for your child’s pediatric therapy at Riverbend Pediatric Therapy in Covington or Hammond, LA is simple and convenient. We offer flexible appointment times, including morning and evening slots, to accommodate your busy schedule. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (985) 590-4549 or by using our online appointment request form. We are committed to providing you with accessible and efficient scheduling options.

In pediatric therapy, your child’s progress is assessed based on their specific impairments and functional limitations. Our experienced pediatric therapists measure various factors, including pain, weakness, loss of motion, and functional abilities such as sitting, walking, and more. These measurements provide objective data to track your child’s improvements and guide their therapy plan. We closely monitor your child’s progress throughout their therapy journey and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.

The duration of each pediatric therapy appointment may vary depending on your child’s condition and progress. The initial assessment can take up to 4 hours. Subsequent sessions will depend on the child’s needs and treatment plan.

Determining whether your insurance covers pediatric therapy depends on your specific policy. Our team at Riverbend Pediatric Therapy is here to assist you in navigating the complexities of insurance. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier to understand your coverage for pediatric therapy services. You can also visit our insurance plans page for additional information. We offer various payment alternatives to accommodate different insurance situations.

At Riverbend Pediatric Therapy, we believe in providing access to pediatric therapy for all children, regardless of their insurance status. If your child does not have insurance coverage, rest assured that we offer cash-based options. These options involve payment at the time of service and provide a solution for uninsured children. Please contact our Covington or Hammond, LA clinic to discuss costs and explore payment plans tailored to your needs.

To ensure a smooth and productive first pediatric therapy appointment for your child, please follow these guidelines:

1. Complete Patient Forms: Fill out our patient forms online or print them and complete them before the appointment. If you cannot do this, arrive early to allow time for filling out paperwork in the office.
2. Arrive Early: Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time to complete any remaining paperwork and maximize evaluation time.
3. Comfortable Clothing: Dress your child in comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the areas requiring therapy.
4. Insurance Information: If using insurance, bring your child’s insurance information, including a copy of their insurance card.
5. Referrals and Test Results: If your child has referrals, prescriptions, or test results from their referring physician, Nurse Practitioner, or physician assistant, please bring those documents.
6. Contact Information: If applicable, provide the contact names, phone numbers, and claim numbers for any case manager or insurance adjuster involved in an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim.

When calling our office at (985) 590-4549, have your child’s prescription and insurance card ready to help us verify your insurance benefits and estimate coverage. We look forward to assisting your child on their journey to improved health and well-being.

Pediatric physical therapists are specialists who focus on improving the movement and function of children through hands-on care, tailored exercise programs, and educating both the child and their caregivers.

Our dedicated pediatric physical therapists at Riverbend Pediatric Therapy are experts in addressing the unique physical challenges that children face, particularly those with conditions like Down Syndrome. We are committed to enhancing your child’s movement abilities, managing pain, and facilitating the development of essential motor skills.

Our therapists evaluate and treat a wide range of physical issues in children, from low muscle tone to gait abnormalities. We possess the knowledge and experience needed to identify and address musculoskeletal concerns in young patients.

Every treatment plan we create is customized to meet your child’s specific needs, ensuring that they receive the best possible care to help them thrive.

Contact us today at (985) 590-4549 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improving your child’s physical abilities and overall well-being!

Choosing the right pediatric physical therapist is crucial for your child’s development and well-being. Here are some steps to help you find the perfect fit:

1. Get Recommendations: Start by asking your child’s pediatrician or specialist for recommendations. They often have valuable insights into therapists who have experience with your child’s condition. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers as well.
2. Specializations Matter: Look for a pediatric physical therapist with specializations or certifications related to your child’s specific condition. Specialized training can make a significant difference in the quality of care your child receives.
3. Check Their Reputation: Investigate online reviews and ratings on platforms like Healthgrades or Google Reviews to gauge the therapist’s reputation. Pay attention to the therapist’s years of experience and their track record in treating conditions similar to your child’s.
4. Consider Logistics: Ensure that the therapist’s location, hours, and scheduling align with your child’s needs and your family’s schedule. If your child requires specific accommodations, verify that the therapist can meet those requirements.
5. Trust Your Instincts: After conducting research and possibly having an initial consultation, assess how comfortable you and your child feel with the potential therapist. It’s important to establish a rapport and trust their ability to help your child achieve their goals.

Remember that finding the right pediatric physical therapist may take time, but your effort will be rewarded when you discover a professional who can make a significant positive impact on your child’s life.

In most cases, the term “diagnosis” is reserved for physicians due to legal reasons. However, pediatric physical therapists play a vital role in the healthcare process by assessing and confirming or refuting a diagnosis.

When you bring your child to Riverbend Pediatric Therapy for their initial session, our pediatric physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes a detailed medical history review and a comprehensive physical examination. This assessment helps determine the severity of your child’s condition, identify the source of their symptoms, and evaluate factors contributing to their condition.

Pediatric physical therapists often collaborate closely with physicians to provide valuable insights and confirm or question a diagnosis. This collaboration ensures that your child receives an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.

According to “The Patient’s Bill of Rights,” you have the freedom to select the pediatric physical therapy clinic that best suits your child’s needs.

While some healthcare providers may recommend specific clinics, you are not obligated to choose one based solely on their recommendation. You have the autonomy to decide which pediatric physical therapy clinic is the right fit for your child.

Thanks to Direct Access laws, you also don’t need a physician’s referral to seek pediatric physical therapy services. Direct Access allows you to access evaluation and treatment services directly, ensuring that your child receives timely care.

In essence, the choice of where your child receives pediatric physical therapy is entirely yours, and you have the flexibility to make that decision independently.

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral for your child to receive pediatric physical therapy services. Thanks to Direct Access regulations, individuals can seek pediatric physical therapy treatment without a prescription or referral from a doctor.

Direct Access grants you the freedom to choose pediatric physical therapy services and initiate treatment for your child’s specific needs. This regulation applies across all fifty states and the District of Columbia, ensuring that your child can access evaluation and therapy services promptly.

Understanding insurance coverage can be complex, but our team at Riverbend Pediatric Therapy is here to assist you and answer your questions. It’s essential to contact your insurance carrier to determine the coverage available under your specific policy.

Please visit our insurance page for more information, and feel free to reach out to our Covington or Hammond, LA pediatric physical therapy clinic for further clarification and assistance. We offer various payment options to accommodate your needs conveniently.

Our clinic is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the care they need. We offer cash-based options for families who do not have insurance coverage. These payments must be made at the time of service.

Please contact our Covington or Hammond, LA clinic for information about rates and payment options through our front desk. Rest assured, we will never turn a child away from receiving the necessary pediatric physical therapy services.

To understand your payment options fully, we recommend contacting your insurance carrier to determine your coverage, copayments/coinsurance, and overall plan requirements.

Our staff will assess your insurance benefits and provide you with payment details during each visit. We accept various payment methods, including cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Additionally, we can discuss alternative payment options based on your unique circumstances.

Our policy is to collect payment at the time of service to streamline the billing process and ensure a smooth experience for you and your child.

Scheduling an appointment for your child’s pediatric physical therapy at Riverbend Pediatric Therapy is straightforward and convenient. We offer morning and evening appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.

Our scheduling process is user-friendly, and we provide convenient locations and appointment times. You can reach us at (985) 590-4549 to schedule an appointment or click here to request one online. Taking this step will set your child on the path to improved physical abilities and well-being.

To ensure your child’s comfort and ease of movement during their pediatric physical therapy sessions, we recommend that they wear loose-fitting clothing that allows for unrestricted mobility. Comfortable shoes or sneakers are also advisable to provide stability and support during exercises and activities.

Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to function effectively in their daily lives. It specifically assists children to grow physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.

Pediatric occupational therapy aims to enable children to participate in everyday activities or “occupations.” These occupations often include self-care routines like dressing, eating, bathing, and grooming. It also covers school-related tasks like handwriting, typing, and organizational skills.

Furthermore, social and play activities that involve motor coordination, like riding a bike, playing games, or using toys, are also considered under pediatric occupational therapy.

Therapists work with children who have various needs. Some children may have physical disabilities that affect their motor skills. Others might have cognitive or sensory processing difficulties affecting their ability to perform everyday tasks.

Pediatric occupational therapists use a variety of methods to facilitate development and overcome challenges. The specific techniques and approaches the therapist uses will depend on the child’s needs.

The need for occupational therapy might not always be apparent, as signs can vary greatly depending on the nature of a child’s specific difficulties. However, here are some common signs that your child might benefit from occupational therapy:

• Delayed Milestones: Your child is not reaching developmental milestones at the expected time (such as sitting, crawling, walking, or talking).
• Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills: They need help with tasks that require precise movements, like using utensils, doing up buttons, holding a pencil, or doing puzzles.
• Difficulty with Gross Motor Skills: They struggle with activities that require whole-body movement, balance, and coordination, like jumping, running, or climbing stairs.
• Sensory Issues: They’re overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, touch, or certain textures in food.
• Difficulty with Self-Care Tasks: They need help dressing, feeding themselves, brushing their teeth, or using the bathroom independently.
• Trouble with Focus and Attention: They have difficulty staying focused on a task or activity for an age-appropriate amount of time or struggle to pay attention in a busy environment like a classroom.
• Difficulty with Social Interactions: They have difficulty making friends, interpreting social cues, or seem to be uninterested in playing with other children.
• Academic Struggles: They find handwriting, reading, or other school-related tasks challenging.
• Behavioral Problems: They often have temper tantrums, seem overly active, or have difficulty adjusting to new situations.

Please note that these signs alone do not diagnose occupational therapy needs. They are potential indicators, and if you notice them consistently, it would be a good idea to consult a professional for further assessment.

The most common conditions our pediatric occupational therapists often treat, include the following

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Developmental Delays
• Learning Disabilities
• Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Genetic Disorders
• Prematurity
• Visual and/or Hearing Impairment
• Fine and Gross Motor Delays

If you are concerned about your child don’t hesitate to contact Riverbend Pediatric Therapy and let us help you find the answers you’re looking for!

Occupational therapy (OT) for children is designed to assist them in developing or improving essential skills for daily life, such as fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing skills, self-care tasks, and social skills. It benefits children with physical, sensory, or cognitive issues that affect their function and independence. Here’s what you can generally expect from a pediatric occupational therapy session:

The first session often starts with a comprehensive evaluation. The therapist will evaluate your child’s skills and abilities through various standardized tests, observations, and parent reports. They will try to understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses regarding their development, sensory processing, motor skills, self-care abilities, social skills, and any other relevant areas.

Once the assessment is complete, the occupational therapist will work with you and your child to set realistic and achievable goals. These goals could be about improving fine motor skills (like buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil), gross motor skills (like balance or coordination), sensory processing, or social-emotional skills, depending on your child’s needs.

Therapy sessions usually involve various play-based activities to help your child develop or improve specific skills. These activities vary widely, from puzzles and games to improve fine motor skills and problem-solving to physical exercises for improving strength and coordination or sensory activities like playing with different textures or sounds. Occupational therapy often looks like play because play is the primary “job” of a child, and it’s the best way they learn.

Depending on the therapist and the age/needs of the child, parents might be invited to be part of the session, especially toward the end. Home practice is also an essential part of therapy and helps to reinforce the skills learned in therapy sessions.

Remember, every child is unique, and thus, their therapy will be tailored to their specific needs and interests.

Pediatric speech therapy is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on helping children improve their communication abilities. This therapy can help children express themselves more clearly, understand and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues, and improve their vocal and nonverbal communication skills.

Children who may benefit from speech therapy include those who have difficulty producing speech sounds accurately (articulation disorders), those who stutter, those who have voice disorders, and those with language difficulties that affect their ability to understand spoken language (receptive language) or use words and sentences to communicate effectively (expressive language).

Speech therapy can also benefit children with nonverbal communication difficulties, such as understanding and using body language and facial expressions. Children with social communication difficulties, such as problems taking turns in conversation, interpreting social cues, or following social conventions of conversation, may also benefit from speech therapy.

Pediatric speech therapists use various techniques and tools to improve a child’s communication. They may use play and interactive activities to make the therapy more enjoyable and effective for the child. They also work with the child’s family and other professionals to provide advice and strategies to support their communication development at home and in different settings.

Additionally, pediatric speech therapists can also provide feeding therapy for children who have difficulties eating or swallowing due to a condition known as dysphagia. This can involve exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth, strategies to make eating safer or less difficult, and advice on mealtime behaviors and diet modifications.

Pediatric speech therapy plays a crucial role in helping children overcome communication challenges, which can significantly improve their overall quality of life and success in school and social situations.

If your child has difficulty communicating effectively, they may benefit from pediatric speech therapy. Here are some common signs, symptoms, and conditions you should look out for:

• Speech delays: This broad category includes not saying any words by the age of 15 months or two-word phrases by two years, having an unclear speech that strangers can’t understand by age 2, or lagging behind the developmental norms for their age in their speech abilities.
• Stuttering: Stuttering, or dysfluency, includes difficulty starting a word or sentence, repeating or prolonging a word or sounds, or tension or stress in the voice.
• Articulation disorders: Articulation disorders include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly so people can’t understand what’s being said.
• Voice disorders: These disorders include problems with pitch, volume, tone, and the quality of the voice that distract listeners from what’s being said. These types of problems may also cause pain or discomfort.
• Oral feeding disorders: This includes difficulties with eating, swallowing, drooling, or moving the mouth to talk or eat.
• Receptive (Understanding) Language Disorder: Difficulty understanding or processing language. This can include issues following directions or answering questions appropriately.
• Expressive (Using) Language Disorder: Difficulty putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.
• Auditory processing disorder: Difficulty understanding spoken language despite normal hearing capabilities.
• Autism spectrum disorder: Communication challenges are common in children with autism, including delayed speech, nonverbal communication, difficulty maintaining a conversation, or repetitive language.
• Apraxia of speech: Difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed to make speech sounds.
• Phonological disorders: Substituting all sounds made in the back of the mouth (like “k” and “g”) or for those in the front of the mouth (like “t” and “d”).
• Cleft lip or palate: These physical deformities can cause difficulties with speech, feeding, and swallowing.

If you notice your child needs help with any of these areas or needs to catch up to the norms for their age, reach out to our Riverbend Pediatric Therapy speech therapists!

Speech therapy can be a significant asset to children who have difficulties with communication for various reasons. It’s not only beneficial for children with identified speech or language disorders, but it can also support those who struggle with the social aspects of communication, those with cognitive delays, or even children with physical disabilities that affect their speech.

• Speech Sound Disorders: Speech sound disorders involve difficulty correctly producing specific sounds. A child may substitute, add, omit, or distort sounds, making it difficult to understand them. In this case, speech therapy can help by practicing the sounds the child finds challenging. Techniques may involve showing the child how to move their mouth to produce specific sounds and giving feedback as they attempt these sounds. They may also work on building awareness and recognition of the sounds in different words.
• Stuttering: Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects the flow of speech. Children who stutter may repeat sounds, syllables, or words or experience involuntary pauses or blocks in speech. Speech therapy can help by teaching techniques to control this stuttering. This could include breathing exercises, pacing their speech, or gradually working on producing longer words and sentences without stuttering.
• Articulation Disorders: Articulation disorders involve problems with the physical production of sounds. Children with these disorders may have difficulties forming certain sounds, resulting in unclear or distorted speech. Speech therapy can help by identifying problematic sounds and practicing their correct production through exercises and real-life applications.
• Receptive-Expressive Language Disorders: These disorders involve difficulties understanding language (receptive language) and expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas (expressive language). In therapy, the child may work on understanding and using new vocabulary, forming sentences, following instructions, and responding to questions. Therapy can also help with non-verbal communication, such as interpreting body language and social cues.

As for identifying if your child has these conditions, it is best to consult our speech therapists (SLP). However, some signs to look out for include:

• Speech that is not easily understood by people outside of the family or by peers.
• Difficulty following instructions or answering questions appropriately.
• Frustration or difficulty when trying to express thoughts and ideas.
• Repeating sounds, syllables, and words frequently, or hesitations/blockages in speech.
• Difficulty producing certain sounds correctly or substituting one sound for another.

Remember, children develop at different rates, and some speech and language development variation is normal. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, call Riverbend Pediatric Therapy today at (985) 590-4549 and schedule an appointment!

Your child will work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or speech therapist during speech therapy to improve their speech and communication skills. Therapy sessions are structured differently depending on the child’s needs, age, and communication challenges.

The first few sessions are usually dedicated to assessments. The SLP will evaluate your child’s speech, language, cognitive communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills. This can involve interactive activities and games, structured observations, and formal standardized tests.

Based on the assessment, the SLP will set specific, measurable goals for your child. These include improving vocabulary, learning to articulate certain sounds, enhancing social communication skills, or addressing stuttering.

During each session, the SLP will engage your child in a variety of activities designed to help them meet their goals. This might involve play-based activities, picture cards, books, language drills, or physical exercises for mouth and tongue muscles.

Our speech therapists will regularly assess your child’s progress toward their goals. They may revise the goals of therapy strategies as needed depending on the progress made.

As for parent involvement, it’s not only allowed but also actively encouraged in most cases. Parents can often be involved in the following ways:

• Observing sessions: Depending on the therapy center’s policy and the child’s comfort level, parents may be able to observe sessions. This can help you understand the techniques being used and how your child is progressing.
• At-home activities: The SLP will likely provide activities for you and your child to do at home. Regular practice can significantly improve the effectiveness of therapy.
• Feedback and communication: Regular communication with the SLP is important. They can provide updates on your child’s progress and give you tips on supporting your child’s communication development at home.
• Parent training: Some programs include sessions where parents are trained on techniques to use at home to facilitate their child’s speech and language development.

Always remember that each child’s therapy will be tailored to their specific needs, and progress may look different for each child. Patience and consistency are key during this process.

The frequency and duration of speech therapy sessions can vary greatly depending on the child’s individual needs. Here are some general guidelines, but remember that these can vary:

• Frequency: Speech therapy sessions occur one to three times per week. For children with more severe or complex issues, sessions may occur more frequently, even daily.
• Duration: Each session typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. Younger children often have shorter sessions (30 minutes), while older children may have sessions that last up to an hour. The length of the sessions will depend on the child’s age, attention span, and specific needs.
• Length of Therapy: The length of therapy can also vary widely. Some children may only need a few months of therapy to address a specific issue. In contrast, others may require ongoing therapy for several years to manage more complex or persistent challenges.

Remember, these are just averages and may not apply to your situation. Working closely with a speech therapist/speech-language pathologist (SLP) is crucial to develop a therapy plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. Also, consistency is key in speech therapy, so it’s important to stick with the therapy plan and practice the exercises at home as the speech therapist recommends.

Remember that speech therapy progress can sometimes be slow or not linear. Celebrate small victories and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. It’s also important to communicate openly and frequently with the SLP to understand your child’s progress and any adjustments needed in the therapy plan.

Some children attend speech therapy for a few months, some for a few years, and others visit a speech therapist throughout their childhood. Your Riverbend Pediatric Therapy therapist will work with parents, educators, and physicians to decide how long your child should stay in speech therapy.

Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed specifically for infants, children, and adolescents. It aims to help young patients improve their physical function and capabilities, addressing issues related to strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, endurance, motor skills, and more.

Pediatric physical therapists are trained to understand and manage unique physiological changes and developmental milestones throughout childhood. They provide services to children with various needs, including those who have:

• Musculoskeletal disorders, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hypotonia (lax muscle tone), and hypertonia (excessive muscle tone)
• Neurological injuries, including nerve damage and brain injuries
• Behavioral disorders and conditions like Autism
• Developmental delays
• Genetic disorders like Down syndrome
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida
• Orthopedic disabilities or injuries, like fractures, strains, sprains,or sports injuries
• Cardiopulmonary conditions, like cystic fibrosis
• Conditions that affect balance and coordination

These therapists use a variety of strategies, techniques, and interventions to help their patients. This can include activities and exercises that feel like play, making therapy sessions fun and engaging for kids. The ultimate goal of pediatric physical therapy is to enable children to participate as fully as possible in their daily routines and activities, promoting healthy, independent living.

Lastly, pediatric physical therapists also play a crucial role in educating and supporting families, school staff, and other caregivers on how best to help and support the child’s physical development and well-being.

Pediatric physical therapy is generally not designed to cause pain. Rather, it is intended to help improve children’s motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination, particularly for those with injuries or medical conditions affecting their physical function. The exercises and techniques are usually tailored to each child’s abilities and tolerance to ensure they are comfortable and can achieve their therapy goals.

However, just like with adults, some discomfort may occasionally be experienced during or after the therapy sessions, particularly when working on improving flexibility, strength, or movement in areas that may be tight, weak, or injured. Our physical therapists will always monitor the child’s response to the therapy and adjust the intensity of the therapy to minimize any discomfort or pain.

If a child ever reports pain during therapy, it’s crucial to communicate this to their Riverbend Pediatric Therapy physical therapist. They can adjust the exercises or techniques to ensure the therapy is as comfortable as possible. Physical therapy should always aim to help the child improve in a safe and comfortable environment.

Physical therapy for children, or pediatric physical therapy, is designed to assist kids in improving their motor skills, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. This can be especially important for children with developmental delays, physical injuries, or health conditions that affect their mobility.

First Appointment:

• Intake and Evaluation: The first session will typically involve a thorough evaluation. The therapist will review your child’s medical history and any relevant paperwork, such as medical reports or assessments from other professionals.
• Discussion with Parents/Caregivers: The therapist will want to understand your concerns and goals for your child’s physical development. This is an opportunity to discuss any difficulties your child has been experiencing in relation to their movement or physical activities.
• Physical Assessment: The therapist will observe and assess your child’s mobility and motor skills. This could involve looking at their walking, running, climbing stairs, balance, coordination, and other physical activities.
• Creating a Plan: Based on this assessment, the physical therapist will formulate a treatment plan that addresses your child’s needs and aligns with the goals you and the therapist have discussed. This plan may be adjusted and updated as therapy progresses and your child’s needs and abilities change.

Pediatric physical therapy sessions will vary depending on the child’s age, developmental level, and specific needs. Therapists use a variety of exercises and activities to improve your child’s motor skills, flexibility, balance, and strength. This could include age-appropriate games, activities, or toys. The aim is to make therapy fun and engaging for your child.

Part of the therapist’s role is to educate you and your child about the therapy process and how to safely and effectively perform certain exercises or tasks at home. They may also suggest modifications to your child’s environment to support their physical development better.

The therapist will regularly assess your child’s progress toward the therapy goals. Depending on how your child responds to therapy, they will adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Remember, every child is unique, and their treatment plan will be individualized to fit their specific needs best. Be sure to communicate regularly with the therapist about any questions or concerns you have.

Physical therapy is a specialized field, and for a child’s first appointment, you should bring additional items that pertain to their physical needs. Here’s what you typically should consider bringing:

• Identification and Insurance: Just as with any medical appointment, bring your photo ID, your child’s ID if applicable (like a birth certificate for infants), your insurance card, and any necessary paperwork about your child’s health insurance coverage.
• Medical Records: This includes relevant medical records like records from the pediatrician, relevant test results, and any diagnosis or referral paperwork. Also, bring any records from orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or other specialists if your child has seen them.
• Equipment: If your child uses any assistive device, like braces, crutches, or a wheelchair, bring those along. The therapist may want to assess how your child uses the equipment and make adjustments or recommendations as necessary.
• Comfortable Clothing: Your child should wear loose, comfortable clothing to their physical therapy appointment. Depending on the reason for therapy, they might be moving around a lot, so clothing should not restrict movement.
• Questions: Write down any questions or concerns about your child’s physical therapy. This is a new experience for both of you, and it’s important to understand what the treatment will involve, the goals, and how progress will be assessed.
• Comfort Items: Especially for young children, bring along a favorite toy or blanket to make them feel more at ease.
• List of Current Medications: Just like with any medical appointment, you should provide a list of your child’s current medications. Even though physical therapy is often exercise-based, medications can affect your child’s energy levels, mood, and other factors that could influence therapy.

Before the appointment, call our physical therapist at (985) 590-4549 to ask if there is anything specific you should bring. They may have additional requirements or suggestions based on your child’s needs.

If your child is feeling sick before their pediatric physical therapy appointment, call our office at (985) 590-4549 to discuss the situation. We’ll provide guidance based on your child’s symptoms.

If your child has a fever, cough, or other symptoms of the flu or COVID-19, it’s best to reschedule the appointment.

If your child has chronic symptoms related to their condition, your physical therapist can offer strategies to manage these symptoms. We can adapt the therapy session to accommodate your child’s needs. In all cases, communication is key.

Also, remember to consider the cancellation policy of the clinic. Try to call as soon as you know your child is unwell to avoid any late cancellation fees if they apply.