Physical Therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our Pediatric Physical Therapy Program is designed to help children of all ages overcome physical challenges and gain function. Every day, we help kids and their families reach meaningful goals, from participating in school to playing with friends. We blend clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, a child-centered approach, and joyful interaction so therapy feels like growth, not just treatment.
As kids grow, their brains develop quickly, and their emotional needs are unique. The Pediatric Physical Therapy Program focuses on whole-child development—emphasizing movement, function, independence and confidence.
What is pediatric physical therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized branch of rehabilitation that helps children improve strength, movement, balance, coordination and functional abilities. While physical therapy in adults often focuses on recovery after injury or surgery, pediatric therapy focuses on developmental progression, fine motor skills and age-appropriate milestones.
This can include helping children:
- Learn to move and walk after injury or illness
- Build muscle strength and coordination
- Develop balance and gross motor skills
- Improve posture and flexibility
- Enhance functional independence at home and in school
Through fun, engaging, and scientifically grounded activities, our therapists support kids as they work to achieve meaningful goals.
Our Approach
For kids, therapy looks a lot like play. Whether it’s navigating obstacle courses, using balance beams or even playing with our animal-assisted intervention (AAI) dog, every session is meaningful and fun.
Our therapists combine:
- Evidence-based clinical techniques
- Creative, child-friendly activities
- Goal-driven tasks tied to real life
- Family-centered coaching and education
We work closely with families to set goals that matter—like walking independently, using stairs with confidence, keeping up on the playground, or participating in dance or sports.
Who We Treat
Our Pediatric Physical Therapy Team works with children who may have:
- Developmental delays and 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
Every therapy plan is as unique as your child. We consider their age, diagnosis and mobility needs, working with you to craft a therapy plan designed to last.
Outpatient Pediatric Physical Therapy
Outpatient physical therapy services are ideal for kids who live at home, attend school and need support in strengthening, mobility or functional skill development.
You can expect:
- A comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric physical therapist
- Goal-based treatment plans tailored to your child
- Regular therapy sessions (frequency and duration based on needs)
- Collaboration with families, school teams and other providers
- Functional training for home and community activities
Outpatient therapy may include support in:
- Balance and coordination
- Gross motor skills (walking, running, jumping)
- Strength and flexibility
- Adaptive strategies for school and play
- Equipment training and recommendations
Our outpatient spaces are designed to be kid-friendly and safe, featuring bright gyms, child-sized equipment, therapy playground spaces and interactive tools that encourage progress through play.
Inpatient Pediatric Physical Therapy
When a child’s medical condition requires around-the-clock care or intensive rehabilitation, inpatient therapy within Mary Free Bed Kids provides a full continuum of support.
In our inpatient setting:
- Therapy begins as soon as your child is medically ready.
- Children typically receive multiple hours of therapy each day.
- Physical therapy is coordinated alongside occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy and medical care.
- Therapy is woven into daily routines of rest, schoolwork, play and family time.
- The atmosphere is tailored to children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Inpatient physical therapists focus on helping children regain functional mobility, strengthen coordination and improve independence so they can return home confidently and safely.
Our Pediatric Physical Therapy Team
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our Pediatric Physical Therapy Team includes licensed therapists with training in children’s movement, development and rehabilitation. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists and care managers—all focused on your child’s success.
Our team emphasizes:
- Family involvement: We coach parents and caregivers on strategies you can use every day.
- Collaborative care: Therapists communicate regularly with schools, physicians, and other providers to support continuity of care.
- Child-first philosophy: We celebrate progress in ways that motivate kids and build confidence.
Outcomes That Matter
Mary Free Bed Kids consistently exceeds national benchmarks for pediatric rehabilitation outcomes, helping children achieve higher functional independence and a greater likelihood of returning home and thriving in their communities compared to other programs.
Our holistic approach—grounded in clinical excellence, child-friendly environments and family engagement—supports children in gaining strength, confidence and independence.
Day Rehab at Mary Free Bed Kids
For kids who benefit from more frequent or coordinated therapies, our Day Rehab Program offers multiple therapies scheduled together so kids can work on strength, mobility and communication.
- Intensive therapy occurs 2-3 hours each day.
- The schedule combines multiple disciplines.
- Your child meets with the same team throughout the program.
- We focus on individual goals and transitions back to home and school.
- The therapy space is secure and kid-friendly.
This option is great for kids who may need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but don’t require inpatient care.
Inpatient Pediatric Physical Therapy
When a child’s medical condition requires around-the-clock care or intensive rehabilitation, inpatient therapy within Mary Free Bed Kids provides a full continuum of support.
In our inpatient setting:
- Therapy begins as soon as your child is medically ready.
- Children typically receive multiple hours of therapy each day.
- Physical therapy is coordinated alongside occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy and medical care.
- Therapy is woven into daily routines of rest, schoolwork, play and family time.
- The atmosphere is tailored to children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Inpatient physical therapists focus on helping children regain functional mobility, strengthen coordination and improve independence so they can return home confidently and safely.
Our Pediatric Physical Therapy Team
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our Pediatric Physical Therapy Team includes licensed therapists with training in children’s movement, development and rehabilitation. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists and care managers—all focused on your child’s success.
Our team emphasizes:
- Family involvement: We coach parents and caregivers on strategies you can use every day.
- Collaborative care: Therapists communicate regularly with schools, physicians, and other providers to support continuity of care.
- Child-first philosophy: We celebrate progress in ways that motivate kids and build confidence.
Outcomes That Matter
Mary Free Bed Kids consistently exceeds national benchmarks for pediatric rehabilitation outcomes, helping children achieve higher functional independence and a greater likelihood of returning home and thriving in their communities compared to other programs.
Our holistic approach—grounded in clinical excellence, child-friendly environments and family engagement—supports children in gaining strength, confidence and independence.
