Physical Therapy (PT)

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 Physical therapy (PT) helps individuals develop, improve, or maintain movement, strength, balance, and physical function needed for daily life. For children, PT focuses on helping them move safely and confidently so they can participate in play, learning, and everyday activities.

The goal of physical therapy is to support functional movement and mobility across home, school, and community environments.

 Physical therapy is provided by a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) and focuses on how the body moves and functions.

For children, PT often addresses:

• Strength and muscle tone 
• Balance and coordination 
• Gross motor development 
• Endurance and mobility
   

Physical therapy is individualized and goal-driven. Treatment plans are based on the child’s physical abilities, challenges, and daily routines.

 Physical therapy may focus on:

• Gross motor skills (sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping) 
• Strength and muscle tone 
• Balance and coordination 
• Posture and alignment 
• Endurance and physical stamina 
• Mobility and gait 
• Use of adaptive equipment or mobility devices 
• Safety with movement and transitions
   

Goals are functional and designed to support participation in everyday activities.

 Physical therapy may be recommended for individuals who:

• Have delayed gross motor development 
• Have difficulty with balance, strength, or coordination 
• Experience muscle weakness or low/high muscle tone 
• Have diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, genetic conditions, or developmental delays 
• Have physical limitations following injury, surgery, or illness
   

PT services are based on functional movement needs, not diagnosis alone.

Physical therapy can be delivered in a variety of settings, including:

• Outpatient therapy clinics 
• In-home therapy 
• EIDT or center-based programs 
• School-based services 
• Medical or rehabilitation settings 

The setting chosen depends on the child’s physical needs, tolerance for environments, and family schedule. 

Explore Physical Therapy Settings

 Physical therapy is provided by a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). In some settings, therapy sessions may involve Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) working under the supervision of the PT.

The PT is responsible for:

• Evaluations 
• Developing treatment plans 
• Monitoring progress 
• Adjusting goals and interventions as needed

 Physical therapy may be covered through:

• Medicaid, including TEFRA when applicable 
• Private insurance 
• ARKids 
• School-based services, when PT supports educational access
   

Coverage depends on medical necessity, service setting, and payer requirements. 

Many children receive PT services through multiple systems at the same time, such as school-based PT combined with outpatient or in-home therapy.

 Explore therapy funding options in Arkansas
Learn about Medicaid, TEFRA, ARKids, ARHIPP, waivers, and private insurance. 

 It’s helpful for families to understand the difference between:

• Medical physical therapy, which focuses on movement and function across home and community environments 
• School-based physical therapy, which focuses on mobility and access within the educational setting
   

Both may be appropriate depending on the child’s needs.

 Physical therapy can benefit many children, but the frequency, goals, and setting should be individualized based on:

• Movement and mobility needs 
• Safety concerns 
• Endurance and strength 
• Family routines and logistics 
• Availability of services in the community
   

PT is often most effective when families are supported with strategies and exercises to practice outside of therapy sessions.

 Understanding where physical therapy is delivered can help families choose what fits best.

You can explore different physical therapy settings here:

• Outpatient physical therapy 
• In-home physical therapy 
• Physical therapy within EIDT programs 
• School-based physical therapy
   

Explore Physical Therapy Settings 

 We’re currently building provider pages to help families:

• Find physical therapy providers by location 
• Compare therapy settings and service models 
• Understand accepted insurance and funding sources
   

Physical therapy provider listings coming soon.