Child in Physical Therapy

WHO WE ARE

Our Dallas campus offers high-quality Therapy Services to our orthopedic patients in a comfortable, supportive setting. Including both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, our trained therapists use research-driven methods to work with each child to create a treatment plan and achieve goals.

Learn more about the types of therapy and rehabilitation we offer and meet our therapy experts below.

Services We Offer

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical Therapy is the treatment provided by a Physical Therapist. Physical Therapists diagnose and treat individuals who have conditions that limit their abilities to perform functional activities. Physical Therapists perform evaluations at the request of a referring provider and then plan interventions to address the specific needs of the patient. At Scottish Rite we see patients in a variety of settings. This includes scheduled outpatient visits following injury or surgery, in clinic in coordination with a referring provide visit, and during inpatient stays at the hospital when needed.

Our physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education.

Physical Therapy is unique to each child/adolescent. Depending on the specific needs of each patient, Physical Therapy can aide in the development of gross motor skills, improve pain, improve independence with mobility, improve strength, aide in the return to activity following surgery or injury, and improve overall health and/or quality of life.

Common diagnoses we see: 
  • Pediatric knee 
  • Amputations/prosthetics 
  • Toe walking 
  • Scoliosis and spine 
  • Cerebral Palsy 
  • Pediatric Hip 
  • Juvenile Arthritis 
  • Leg length disorders 
  • Spina Bifida 
  • Developmental and Genetic disorders
Please arrive on time for your visit to allow for every minute scheduled to be directed to the care of your child/adolescent. Patients should arrive to their appointment wearing clothing that allows for exercise, play, and activity. Patient should also wear a comfortable, but supportive pair of sneakers with socks. Your Physical Therapist will likely ask you questions about changes in pain, medication, sleep, or any information that might impact participation in Physical Therapy. Be prepared to share this type of information and/or any other concerns with your Physical Therapist. If you need to cancel or reschedule your visit, please call:
  • Dallas: 214-559-7790
  • Frisco: 469-515-7150
At your first Physical Therapy appointment, an evaluation will take place. Generally, the evaluation will include gathering all information that is important for better understanding the needs of and goals of the child/adolescent. Following this, the Physical Therapist will assess the child/adolescent’s strength, mobility, posture, range of motion, coordination, and balance, among other things. This will allow the Physical Therapist to work with both the caregiver and the child/adolescent to develop a plan for interventions (i.e. exercise, functional activities) that will best help the child/adolescent reach their goals.
Through our MyChart options, you can see your child’s schedule, utilize secure chat for questions you may have any time of day, and attend telehealth visits. MyChart is easily accessible and available to any Scottish Rite for Children patient by asking the patient access team to help set up your account. Access here

Our Physical Therapists have a 4-year bachelor degree followed by an advanced level Physical Therapy degree. This may be either a master’s degree (MPT) or a doctoral degree (DPT) from an accredited Physical Therapy program. All Physical Therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam to obtain their Physical Therapy License in order to practice. Many of our Physical Therapists have gone on for additional training based on their interests and the needs of our patients for advanced level certifications.

The duration of each Physical Therapy plan of care is unique to every patient. This will be discussed following an evaluation with your Physical Therapist.

Our departments are open Monday through Friday between ____ at our Dallas campus and 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at our Frisco campus. Early morning and later evening appointments are in high demand and fill up quickly. Please know we will do our best to provide you with the appointment times that best fit your scheduling needs, but this is not always possible.

Individuals receiving Physical Therapy at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital must be current patients in the care of one our wonderful referring providers. You may discuss Physical Therapy options at your next clinic visit.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Our Occupational Therapy department teaches our patients to use specialized equipment and use their bodies in new ways that will help them with activities such as eating and dressing on their own. Children learn skills that will help them gain independence and prepare for living independently as an adult. Occupational therapists also assess patients’ development, evaluate motor skills, personal and social interaction, language abilities and make recommendations for wheelchairs.
Our therapists have expertise in pediatric development as well as the conditions and diagnoses listed below in order to meet the unique needs of each child. We provide the most up-to-date and evidence-based practice to help you and your child meet your goals and return to all of your child’s desired activities. Treatments focus on the skills that your child needs to achieve optimal success and independence at home and in the community based on the unique need of each child.

Our occupational therapy team can help develop the functional skills needed to participate in daily activities.  Additionally, OTs can help you and your child explore adaptive devices, equipment, and techniques that may help your child achieve their maximum potential.

Our therapists work with our orthopedic, neurologic, developmental disabilities, rheumatology, and metabolic physicians and nurses to provide the highest quality care for our patients.  We also work closely with other disciplines such as social work, child life, and psychology to ensure that our patients have a comprehensive care plan.
At Scottish Rite, we provide treatment for children of all ages and with a wide variety of diagnoses. These diagnoses include, but are not limited to:
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Spina bifida
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  • Birth defects/congenital anomalies
  • Brachial Plexus Injuries
  • Acute/traumatic injuries
  • Amputations
  • Fractures
  • Loss of range of motion or muscle strength
  • Arthritis
  • Difficulty with performing skills at home, school, work or play
OUTPATIENT THERAPY
We provide short-term episodic care based on your child’s needs. Episodic care allows us to focus on specific, achievable goals. Our goal is to provide our patients and their caregivers with the tools they need to maximize their independence and function within the home, school, and community.  We are not long-term providers; however, we love to check in on our past patients during their follow-up visits with the doctors to ensure that they are receiving adequate care.

At the initial evaluation, we will complete assessments based on your child’s needs. In addition, we will collaborate with you and your child on goals for therapy. Visit frequency is based on your child’s needs at the initial evaluation.

INPATIENT THERAPY
We will work with your child pre- and post-operatively based on your child’s needs. See the inpatient therapy page for more details

CLINIC
Our occupational therapists work in all clinical settings at Scottish Rite. We can help assess for therapy needs, surgical planning, equipment needs, specific provider-requested evaluations, and much more.
  • Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
  • Prosthetic Training
  • Hand and upper extremity therapy
Through our MyChart options, you can see your child’s schedule, utilize secure chat for questions you may have any time of day, and attend telehealth visits. MyChart is easily accessible and available to any Scottish Rite for Children patient by asking the patient access team to help set up your account. Access here

It is recommended that patients wear a short-sleeved shirt to his or her OT evaluation and treatment so as our therapists can adequately assess your child’s upper extremities.

For equipment evaluations, it is helpful for our therapists to have pictures of your equipment and the location where you use your current equipment i.e. bath equipment with full layout bathroom.

Your therapist will discuss materials to bring to appointments as it is tailored specifically for each patient. Some examples include clothing to work on dressing skills, splints for modified constraint therapy and/or adjustments.

MOBILITY

Our goal in our Mobility and Equipment Clinic is to take a family approach to care. We assess each child’s skill level and functional needs to determine what equipment is appropriate while taking into consideration the child’s environment and family dynamics.

Our Physical and Occupational Therapists that prescribe custom wheelchairs have undergone training and passed the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification, recognized by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). RESNA defines the ATP certification as a way to identify demonstrated competence in analyzing the needs of consumers with disabilities, assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive technology for the consumers' needs and providing training in the use of the selected devices.

  • The patient is seen by a qualified medical provider and a referral for an equipment evaluation is obtained.
  • The patient, therapist, and a complex rehab technology vendor attends the evaluation. and collaborates as a team to determine the most appropriate piece of medical equipment necessary for the patient.
  • Documentation is sent to insurance for processing.
  • The therapist and vendor will work to obtain insurance approval.
  • For complex rehab equipment, the delivery of equipment will be performed in the presence of a therapist to ensure proper fitting and education of any and all devices.
  • Manual wheelchairs
  • Power wheelchairs
  • Medical strollers
  • Power assist for wheelchairs
  • Walkers
  • Gait trainers
  • Standers
  • Forearm crutches
  • Scooters
  • Bathing and toileting
  • Medical beds
  • Medical car seats
  • Lift systems and other transfer equipment
  • Feeding devices

At Scottish Rite for Children, we provide treatment for children of all ages and with a wide variety of diagnoses. These diagnoses include, but are not limited to: 

  • Birth defects/congenital anomalies 
  • Spina Bifida
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Amputations
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta 
  • Behavioral Challenges

SPORTS THERAPY

At Scottish Rite for Children Sports Physical Therapy, our experts provide skilled and compassionate care to help youth and adolescent athletes recover from injury or surgery. We utilize evidence-based treatments and assessments tailored to each athlete’s individual needs to get your athlete back to the sports they enjoy.

Our sports physical therapists have extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of many sports injuries. We coordinate with all departments including our physicians and research experts to provide child-focused care to athletes. Our therapists work collaboratively with patients and families to create individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs and goals. 

Some common sports-related conditions that we treat include: 

  • Pre- and post-operative care
  • ​Overuse and stress-related injuries 
  • Ligament and tendon injuries 
  • Growth-plate injuries 
  • Fractures 
  • Running Assessments 

Please arrive on time for your visit to allow for every minute scheduled to be directed to the care of your child/adolescent. Patients should arrive at their appointment wearing clothing that allows for exercise, play, and activity. The patient should also wear comfortable but supportive sneakers with socks; no crocs or sliders allowed. Your Physical Therapist will ask you questions about changes in pain, medication, sleep, or any information that might impact participation in Physical Therapy. Be prepared to share this information and/or any other concerns with your Physical Therapist. If you need to cancel or reschedule your visit, please call: 469-515-7150


 

FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT SESSIONS
Our sessions last for one hour and may occur in our gym, outside on our turf or grass, or in our Hydroworx Pool room. We have a patient-viewing area that accommodates the guardians who accompany our patients. Within the plan of care, you can expect frequent check-ins with the provider to ensure there are no questions and that you feel up-to-date on the plan for the athlete.

Through our MyChart options, you can see your child’s schedule, utilize secure chat for questions you may have any time of day, and attend telehealth visits. MyChart is easily accessible and available to any Scottish Rite for Children patient by asking the patient access team to help set up your account. Access here


 

INPATIENT THERAPY SERVICES

Scottish Rite for Childrens  inpatient rehabilitation units serve children and adolescents who require intensive rehabilitation and medical management due to neurological, musculoskeletal, orthopedic or other medical conditions following stabilization of their acute medical issues. (UPDATE)
Inpatient therapy services prepare, educate, and train you and your child for your surgery at SRC.  You and your child will work closely with our inpatient occupational and physical therapists to give you confidence with your child’s activity and weight bearing restrictions, necessary equipment use, and how to perform daily activities before and after surgery. The major benefit of inpatient therapy services is to provide you and your child with confidence and understanding to recover well at home.
Inpatient physical therapists can work with you and your child to assist with moving around your environment, determining the appropriate walking devices and performing exercises specific to your child and their surgery. Inpatient occupational therapists can work with you and your child to understand how to complete basic daily activities, like dressing and bathing, as well as determining the appropriate equipment, such as wheelchairs and adaptive equipment needed for your child’s surgery.  Together these therapies will coordinate and work together to provide you and your child opportunity to learn and practice all transfers, activities, and exercises needed to safely recover at home.
 

No, not all surgeries or procedures will require inpatient therapy services. The potential therapy needs are determined by the collaborative medical team here at Scottish Rite for Children.

This is dependent on your surgery and activity restrictions.

There is strong research evidence that shows early activity supports the recovery process. If recommended by the medical team, inpatient therapists are often involved in the assessment and initiation of early activity after surgery.

SCOLIOSIS SPECIFIC EXERCISE

The Scoliosis Specific Exercise (SSE) helps patients with scoliosis and kyphosis (backbones that curve too much from the center to the right or left, or backward). Scoliosis specific exercises can help limit these curves and keep them from getting worse — without surgery.
 
Scoliosis specific exercise is a treatment for scoliosis or kyphosis provided by a trained physical therapist to teach proper form for exercises and progress the movements over time. Below are the two methods offered by our therapists:
  • BSPTS (Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School) Schroth-based method 
  • SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) method 
Follow your physician’s advice for brace wear and recommendations for surgery. Curve-specific exercises improve posture but do not take the place of surgery or a brace. Physical therapy for scoliosis can be a part of a patient’s treatment plan for those with or without a brace.
 
Scoliosis specific exercises can improve uneven posture, increase body awareness and work to limit curve progression. Some patients may also experience back pain or other muscular imbalances. SSE and outpatient physical therapy can also help in improving back pain and function.
 
Your back needs to be visible during treatment as you learn to hold yourself in your new posture. For girls, please wear a sports bra or bathing suit top and shorts. Boys, please wear shorts and preferably no shirt. You will be in a private treatment space with you, the therapist and a caregiver.
 
A Scottish Rite for Children physical therapist, trained in scoliosis-specific exercises, will provide instructions in the Physical Therapy department. If you live near the hospital, you may see a physical therapist for a total of 8 – 12 hours over 6 months. Each session is 45 – 90 minutes. If you live far, you may attend an intensive program. Consult with a physical therapist for your treatment plan. We have therapists trained at both the Dallas and Frisco campuses. Please consult with your therapist if you have questions regarding telehealth as an option for treatment.
You will learn exercises and positions to hold yourself straighter. Your therapist will evaluate you and provide an individualized plan of care based on your curve and clinical presentation. You will be expected to perform a home exercise program outside of your therapy visits per the recommendation of your therapist. Typically, we ask patients to perform exercises for 15-30 minutes, 5 days a week. Changing your posture is hard work, and you must be dedicated to the exercises. No one can change your posture while sitting, standing or eating, except you.
 

No; however, children should be old enough to have the concentration & coordination required to participate in each session.

Follow your physician’s recommendations for brace wear or for surgery. Scoliosis-specific exercises may improve posture, and research has shown bracing is effective in limiting curve progression during growth. Exercises should not take the place of surgery or a brace.

The duration and frequency of visits will be determined by your physical therapist, as each patient may present at a different stage of growth and with a unique clinical presentation. We will consult with the referring provider and determine a plan of care based on your curve, growth, and other clinical factors. Typically, we start with increased frequency of 1x/week or every other week before spacing out visits based on each patient’s progress and presentation.

The following points are helpful to consider:

  • A provider at Scottish Rite has indicated this treatment may be appropriate for your child's condition
  • Your child is self-motivated to perform the exercises at home and in therapy
  • Your child can concentrate and follow instructions for treatment session lengths
  • Your child is willing to commit to performing daily exercises for a minimum of 4-6 months

  • Physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) may reduce curve progression, but the research is limited. Click here to learn more.
  • We are researching the effectiveness of PSSE at Scottish Rite. Click here to learn more. 
 

HAND THERAPY

At Scottish Rite, our hand and upper extremity therapists specialize in treatment of pediatric injuries and diagnoses involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.
 

Hand therapists are licensed/ registered occupational or physical therapists who, through advanced study and experience, specialize in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. To obtain the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, a hand therapist must practice as an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) for a minimum of three years, accumulating at least 4,000 hours of hand and upper extremity experience. Hand therapists must also pass a rigorous certification examination to demonstrate their competency in the practice of hand therapy.
Our therapists combine the specialty of hand specific training with their expertise on pediatric development in order to meet the unique needs of each child. We aim to provide the most up to date evidenced based practice to help you and your child meet your goals and return to all of their desired activities.

We have certified hand therapists and occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy. Our hand therapists work in conjunction with our hand and orthopedic surgeons, physicians and nurses to provide the highest quality of upper extremity care for our patients.

Goals for this type of therapy may include:
  • Increased range of motion
  • Decreased pain
  • Strength
  • Flexibility
  • Specific skills (e.g. bathing, dressing, eating)
  • Leisure skills
  • Return to sports
At Scottish Rite, we provide treatment for children of all ages and with a wide variety of diagnoses. These diagnoses include, but are not limited to:
  • Birth defects/congenital anomalies
  • Brachial Plexus Injuries
  • Acute/traumatic injuries
  • Amputations
  • Fractures of the upper extremity
  • Sport related injuries
  • Tendon and/or Nerve Injuries of the upper extremity
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Vascular disorders
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  • Soft Tissue Damage
  • Acute/Chronic pain in the upper extremity
  • Loss of range of motion or muscle strength
  • Difficulty with performing skills at home, school, work or play
  • Custom splinting/orthotic fabrication
  • Serial casting to improve range of motion
  • Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • Prosthetic Training

Our Experts

At Scottish Rite for Children, our professional physical therapy and rehabilitation staff is composed of physical therapists specializing in orthopoedic and sports rehabilitation. Our goal is to provide the highest quality services to each of our patients by combining clinical knowledge from our practitioners and support from all staff members. We strive to enable each patient to function independently in work, home, or athletic activity.

Meet our Therapy Services Team

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