Physical Therapist
At Mary Free Bed Kids, physical therapists (PTs) help kids gain strength, mobility and independence. They’re an important part of our care team and they’ll work with you and your child to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential after illness, injury, or surgery, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
What is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist is a health care professional who uses movement to help kids gain independence and confidence as they grow. Consistent physical therapy supports long-term physical and mental health.
A physical therapist works with your child, your family and care team to develop personalized treatment plans and exercises that help your child build strength and stamina. They help kids understand how their body moves while developing motor skills and functional endurance through engaging activities.
What does a physical therapist do?
A physical therapist (PT) specializes in using movement to help kids improve strength, balance and coordination. They work with your family and your child’s care team to create personalized plans to reach meaningful rehabilitation goals.
Physical therapists accomplish this through:
Comprehensive Evaluations
Comprehensive evaluations give our physical therapists the information they need to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Goal-based Therapy Plans
Our goal-based therapy plans are focused on building skills that matter to kids. Physical therapists work closely with kids and families to ensure the treatment plan reflects real life.
Regular Therapy Sessions
While the frequency and duration change based on your child’s needs and routines, our physical therapists have regular sessions with every patient.
Collaboration with Families and the Care Team
Physical therapists work alongside occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and other clinicians to understand your child’s unique needs. They’ll work with you and your family to understand your child’s goals and strengths.
Who can a physical therapist help?
Physical therapists work with children who may have:
- Developmental delay
- Motor skill disorders
- Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy)
- Orthopedic injuries and post-surgical recovery
- Balance and coordination challenges
- Functional limitations from chronic conditions
- Recovery needs from injuries, trauma or surgery
- Gait abnormalities and muscle weakness
- Chronic pain affecting movement
Where Physical Therapists Fit in Your Child’s Rehabilitation Team
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our approach to care is collaborative. Physical therapists are part of a multidisciplinary care team, which means many professionals work together to help your child reach their goals.
Your child’s physical therapist may work alongside:
- Pediatric physiatrists (rehabilitation physicians)
- Nurses
- Occupation therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Recreational therapists
- Care managers
Each expert brings unique skills, and physical therapists ensure your child has the resources and support they need to grow. The team meets regularly to discuss progress.
Examples of What a Physical Therapist Can Help With
Here are real ways a physical therapist may support your child’s rehabilitation journey:
Strength and Conditioning
Physical therapists can help infants, kids and teens gain strength over time.
Balance and Gross Motor Skills
For kids, progress looks like play. Our physical therapists help kids develop critical gross motor and balance skills that they can use at home, school and in their communities.
Daily Strategies
Our physical therapists will teach you strategies you can use in your daily life to support your child’s rehabilitation journey.
Functional Independence
By working with families to set meaningful goals, physical therapists help kids build functional independence for life beyond Mary Free Bed.
Why Choose Our Physical Therapists
Our physical therapists are specially trained to work with kids and families. They’re experts in children’s movement and development.
Choosing our physical therapists means:
- Expert support for kids of all ages
- Personalized therapy plans
- Collaboration with your child’s rehabilitation team
- Family education
- Support for growth, confidence and independence
Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Indiana
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