Pediatrics

We use standardized assessments such as Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) Alberta Infant Motor Scales (AIMS), primitive reflex screening, functional oral motor assessments and other means of functional assessments to accurately assess your infants level of function. From there, treatment will be determined appropriately.

Prevention is key and you can schedule a developmental assessment at any point to learn more about your child and how they are developing.

Tethered oral tissue (or TOTs) occur when “tight tissue” in the mouth affects good oral function. These are often referred to as a tongue or lip “tie”.

We are trained to functionally assess your infant or child’s oral motor skills and recommend a treatment plan consisting of exercises and manual therapy such as Craniosacral therapy to improve function.

We can also help to prepare the body for a tongue or lip tie release and provide post operative treatment as well to enhance the success of the procedure.

Plageocephally is when the head is flattened on one side, causing it to look asymmetrical.

Torticollis is when one side of your infants neck muscles are “restricted” causing head turning preferences or difficulty with head and neck range of motion and function.

These conditions are closely related and are also associated with oral motor function and feeding function as well. We can assess for these conditions and provide a treatment plan to resolve these.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

CranioSacral therapy is a modality that facilitates bringing the body into normal physiological motion and functionality which can help to diminish fascial restrictions. This treatment can be beneficial for any infant post delivery, any infant or child with history of tethered oral tissue, digestive difficulty, or can be used preventatively to optimize your child’s body systems.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle manual technique used to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing excess fluid, waste products, and toxins from the body. MLD involves specific, rhythmic hand movements applied to the skin to encourage lymph flow towards lymph nodes, where it can be filtered and cleared from the body. MLD can be beneficial for decreasing excess swelling, optimizing immune system function, reducing any pain or discomfort, promoting relaxation and optimizing digestion.

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize and understand one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, and to use this information to guide thinking and behavior.

Emotional intelligence work with an occupational therapist involves helping children develop skills and strategies to understand and manage their emotions effectively.

We work on emotional intelligence by combining craniosacral therapy and other manual treatments with social skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness practices, play therapy, sensory integration therapy and primitive reflex assessment and integration as needed.

Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is used to treat children who are experiencing problems with urinary or bowel function, such as bedwetting, constipation, or fecal incontinence. It is also used to assist with potty training in general.

The therapy involves a combination of techniques aimed at improving pelvic floor muscle strength and function.

Unlike adult-based pelvic floor therapy often involves intra-vaginal or intra-rectal assessment pediatrics involvolves external treatment only. When appropriate we are able to externally palpate pelvic floor muscles to ensure they are functioning properly.

Once evaluated a treatment plan will be created to improve pelvic health involving core strengthening, coordination exercises, nutrition strategies, interception and other sensory- based treatment strategist to assist in all things toileting and pelvic health.