Physical Therapy
Physical therapy at Shriners Children's helps children build confidence and strength, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.
Pediatric Outpatient Therapy
Shriners Children’s outpatient therapy program provides the highest quality pediatric specialty care to improve a child’s level of function and promote maximum independence.
Shriners Children’s offers outpatient therapy services for children with acute and chronic orthopedic and sport-related conditions, neuro and neuromuscular conditions, limb differences, post-surgical needs, craniofacial differences and burn injuries. Services may include occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. A child may require only one type of therapy or multiple therapies, depending on their condition, needs and treatment plan.
Our experienced pediatric specialists evaluate each patient based on their current age and function. Therapists work directly with families to set personalized, realistic goals that they commit to working on outside of therapy appointments.
Shriners Children’s practices an episodic care model, which means the length of time and frequency of therapy are based on the child’s needs, goals and family involvement. Therapy schedules range from short, intensive episodes of care to less frequent visits, but longer episodes of care. Breaks are often built into the schedules to ensure that children have a chance to retain and apply their new skills in everyday life. Each unique therapy schedule is determined by many factors including a therapist’s clinical discretion.
Lee Ann works hard in occupational therapy to build her arm strength and increase her independence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outpatient Therapy
Who can receive pediatric outpatient therapy at Shriners Children’s?
The pediatric outpatient therapy program at Shriners Children’s provides comprehensive treatment for children birth to 18 years of age, regardless of insurance status or the family’s ability to pay.
How long are therapy appointments?
Depending on the type of therapy, most appointments are either 30 or 60 minutes.
Can I schedule my child for therapy?
Yes! All we need to schedule a therapy evaluation is a copy of a referral from an outside provider or one of our doctors here at Shriners Children’s.
Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?
To achieve the best results, parents are expected to help their child set goals and apply skills from therapy in daily life. Every plan of care requires the patient to practice skills outside of therapy, based on their therapist’s recommendations.
Everyone at Shriners has been AMAZING! The progress Cooper has made under your love, care and direction has been miraculous! We love and appreciate you all and are so thankful you are on this journey with us.
Starting Therapy
To begin therapy, we require a prescription for a therapy evaluation to determine if a child needs therapy services. Next, a plan of care is developed based on the evaluation and the child’s needs and goals, adapting the approach as each child’s abilities and priorities change.
Therapy Sessions
Depending on the type of therapy most sessions are either 30 or 60 minutes. Attendance and active participation in therapy are very important to your child’s progress. Parents and caregivers of younger children will be asked about the child’s activity between sessions.
What Can You Expect from Your Therapist?
- Family-centered individualized approach to care
- Safe and effective therapy based on high quality standards
- Treatment that is based upon the goals discussed at evaluation
- Open and honest communication
- Collaboration with other professionals such as teachers, other therapists, vendors, etc.
What Do Therapists Expect from Parents, Caregivers and Patients?
- Respect therapists, staff members and the privacy of other patients and their families
- Arrive on time for scheduled therapy appointments
- Commit to therapy plan and follow therapists’ recommendations
- Ask permission to use a cell phone or other device to take a photo or video
- Call to cancel appointment when your child and/or you are ill or have symptoms of illness
- Follow location guidelines regarding any additional visitors coming to appointments
Experienced Providers
Shriners Children’s therapists have extensive specialty pediatric education, training and experience and work together to create powerful treatment strategies that are fun and with a focus on results. All therapies take place in a pediatric setting, with age-appropriate equipment and tools. Depending on location, features such as state of the art equipment, outdoor playgrounds and aquatic therapy pools may be included in a patient’s plan of care.
At Shriners Children’s we value comprehensive care and open communication. Our pediatric specialists work closely not only with each other, but also with referring doctors, schools and family members to track a child’s progress. We also help families connect with other services and resources if needed.
Locations Providing Outpatient Therapy
The Right Treatment at the Right Place
Some locations offer additional therapy options, including inpatient therapy or intensive outpatient rehabilitation. Your care team will talk to you about these options if they could benefit your child. Specific treatment and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Outpatient Therapy Services
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists at Shriners Children's help kids be as independent as possible, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.
Speech Therapy
The speech therapy services available to patients at Shriners Children’s benefit children from birth through adolescence who have difficulties with communication and swallowing.
Recreational Therapy
At Shriners Children’s, we believe in the power of play! Recreational therapy may just seem like fun, but each interaction has a defined purpose. Activities are adapted to meet the need of each child, encouraging active, healthy lifestyles.
Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.