Physical Therapy

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1. Developmental Delays & Milestones

• Delayed rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking.

• Difficulty transitioning between developmental positions.

• Not meeting age-appropriate gross motor milestones.

• Difficulty moving independently or exploring their environment.

• Delayed development of age-appropriate movement skills.

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2. Balance & Coordination

• Frequently falls or appears clumsy.

• Difficulty balancing on one foot.

• Challenges navigating playground equipment.

• Difficulty jumping, hopping, skipping, or climbing.

• Poor coordination during running and playing.

• Difficulty coordinating both sides of the body.

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3. Strength & Muscle Development

• Low muscle tone (hypotonia).

• Generalized muscle weakness.

• Decreased core strength and stability.

• Difficulty maintaining upright posture.

• Tires easily during physical activities.

• Difficulty keeping up with peers during active play.

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4. Walking & Gait Concerns

• Persistent toe walking.

• Walking with feet turned inward or outward.

• Frequent tripping or falling.

• Asymmetrical walking patterns.

• Difficulty walking, running, or changing directions.

• Abnormal gait patterns or concerns about walking mechanics.

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5. Posture & Alignment

• Poor sitting or standing posture.

• Difficulty maintaining an upright position.

• Asymmetrical posture or movement patterns.

• Concerns with spinal alignment.

• Hip, knee, or foot alignment concerns.

• Flat feet or other foot positioning concerns when associated with functional difficulties.

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6. Gross Motor Skill Development

• Difficulty jumping with two feet.

• Challenges with catching, throwing, or kicking a ball.

• Difficulty climbing stairs or playground equipment.

• Difficulty running, skipping, galloping, or hopping.

• Difficulty navigating obstacle courses.

• Challenges participating in age-appropriate sports and recreational activities.

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7. Mobility & Functional Independence

• Difficulty getting up from the floor.

• Challenges transitioning between sitting, standing, and kneeling.

• Difficulty navigating stairs.

• Difficulty walking longer distances.

• Needs assistance with age-appropriate mobility tasks.

• Difficulty keeping up with family outings or community activities.

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8. Neurological & Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Cerebral palsy.

• Developmental coordination concerns.

• Spina bifida.

• Muscular dystrophy.

• Down syndrome.

• Torticollis.

• Brachial plexus injuries.

• Other neurological or orthopedic conditions affecting movement.

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9. Flexibility & Range of Motion

• Limited joint mobility.

• Muscle tightness or stiffness.

• Decreased flexibility.

• Asymmetrical range of motion.

• Difficulty maintaining certain movement positions.

• Recovery following orthopedic injuries or surgery.

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10. Physical Endurance & Participation

• Tires quickly during playground activities.

• Avoids physical activities requiring strength or endurance.

• Difficulty participating in sports or recreational activities.

• Struggles to keep up with classmates.

• Difficulty sustaining active play.

• Reduced confidence with physical challenges.

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11. Infant & Early Childhood Concerns

• Head preference or limited neck movement.

• Flat spots on the head (positional plagiocephaly).

• Torticollis.

• Delayed tummy time progression.

• Difficulty developing symmetrical movement.

• Prematurity-related developmental concerns.

• Delayed crawling, pulling to stand, or walking.