The UCSF Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinic wants all children with mobility or functional issues to reach their potential. We have the expertise and resources to help young patients overcome physical challenges caused by developmental delays, illnesses or injuries. In addition, our family-centered approach places special emphasis on teaching parents and other caregivers how to help their child walk, move and play safely. This is key to supporting our patients’ ability to function in their own homes and communities. We offer services in both the clinic and the hospital, with convenient access to physical therapy in many of our community clinics.

We care for children with physical impairments related to:

• Brain or spinal cord injuries
• Cancer or its treatments
• Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, arthritis and sickle cell disease
• Sports injuries
• Strokes or other neurological injuries
• Surgical procedures
• Traumatic injuries, such as occur in car accidents

Our pediatric physical therapists benefit from the ability to collaborate with other UCSF professionals, including specialists in pediatric physical medicine, pediatric cardiologists, pediatric neurologists, clinical nurse specialists, child life specialists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, psychologists, and experts in prosthetics and orthotics. Our patients are also supported by clinical nurses with special training in addressing complex medical needs, such as those of a child with a tracheostomy, on a ventilator or receiving tube feedings.

Each child’s treatment plan is developed to address individual needs and goals. Treatments may include exercises to increase range of motion and strength; training to improve gait and functional mobility; neuromuscular reeducation (techniques that condition a part of the body to move normally again); casting, splinting and taping to improve alignment; and instruction on how to use crutches correctly. Our therapists seek to maximize every child’s recovery potential and provide instruction for patients and families on maintaining strength and mobility over the long term.

While our program is for babies and children up to 18 years old, we offer assistance with continuing care and service referrals for patients who age out of our care but require ongoing support.