Stay in the Game: Physical Therapy Yields Big Benefits for Small Kids
Physical therapists are seeing a new generation of patients entering their doors: babies and small children. Physical therapy is being recommended for more children at earlier ages amid growing evidence that early intervention to stimulate muscular, cognitive, and social development can yield lifelong benefits. According to a 2023 research review, physical therapists can encourage children with developmental delays, coordination problems, or conditions such as Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorders to develop self-confidence and independence and engage in active play. Children with Down syndrome, for example, can benefit from therapy to help them move independently, begin walking earlier, and avoid allowing damaging compensating movement patterns to become engrained, according to a 2021 study in the Journal of Physiotherapy. In another
study, bouncing, jumping, and hopping side-to- side during supervised exercise on a trampoline led to improved muscle strength in 7- to 9-year- olds with Down syndrome. For preterm babies, physical therapy can improve their chances of healthy development. A review of nine clinical trials involving 545 babies born preterm showed that sensory stimulation administered by a physical therapist increased the amount of milk they consumed and led to better motor and visual function. Physical therapists can also help families by working with equipment specialists to identify the correct beds, strollers, bath seats, and other equipment to support a child’s mobility. Physical therapists approach children differently than adults, incorporating more play, interaction, and age-appropriate exercises to make therapy fun for kids.
If your child seems to be having problems meeting developmental milestones or is having difficulty walking and navigating the hurdles of everyday life, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an assessment. We will be glad to conduct a thorough examination, and if physical therapy can help, we will never let your child feel anything less than amazing during their time with us.
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Vegan Singapore Noodles
Ingredients
Sauce •
Noodles •
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 oz thin rice noodles 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided
•
3/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 12 whole snow peas
• • •
2 tbsp tamari
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2 tbsp maple syrup 2 tbsp lime juice
• • •
•
1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp tamari
2 tsp curry powder
Directions
1. Make the sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, then set aside. 2. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. 3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and set aside. 4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp sesame oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. 5. Add snow peas, tamari, and curry powder to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside. 6. Add remaining sesame oil, cooked rice noodles, and sauce to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute, tossing frequently with tongs. 7. Add vegetables back into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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