What Are the Signs That a Child May Need Physical Therapy?

What if the small things you’ve noticed—an awkward step, delayed milestones, or frequent stumbles—aren’t just part of growing up? Sometimes, the signs are subtle, but they can point to something more. Could your child need more support than you realize? In this article, we uncover the key indicators that a child may need physical therapy—and why early action matters.

Contact pediatric physical therapy Brooklyn to assess your child’s needs.

What Are the Common Signs That Indicate a Child Needs Physical Therapy?

Identifying certain signs early can guide timely physical therapy during childhood. Ongoing pain, joint stiffness, or slow recovery after sports injuries or trauma should also be taken seriously.

Some red flags include:

• Delayed motor development
• Problems with balance, coordination, or posture
• Difficulty performing basic physical activities
• Persistent pain or joint stiffness
• Sports injuries or trauma
• High or low muscle tone
• Postural asymmetries or physical deformities
• Delayed speech development
• Trouble breathing or swallowing

If any of these signs appear, a physical therapy evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed.

Difficulty with Motor Skills or Coordination

Motor skill and coordination challenges may indicate a need for physical therapy. These difficulties can affect both physical development and participation in daily activities. Early support helps improve mobility, strength, and function.

Common signs to watch for:

• Motor delays: Trouble reaching milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, or jumping
• Gross motor issues: Clumsiness while running, jumping, or standing on one foot
• Fine motor problems: Difficulty with writing, cutting, buttoning, or using utensils
• Balance difficulties: Trouble staying steady while walking or standing
• Planning and movement challenges: Struggles with sequencing movements like jumping rope or completing sports tasks

Consistent signs like these warrant an evaluation to identify causes and create a tailored treatment plan.

Limited Range of Motion or Stiffness

Limited motion or stiffness in joints often signals a need for physical therapy. These issues may interfere with everyday tasks and stem from muscular imbalances, injuries, or joint problems.

Joint stiffness indicators

• Joint locking: Feels like the joint is stuck or won’t move fully
• Restricted movement: Difficulty turning the neck, bending, or performing routine motions
• Pain with activity: More discomfort when starting movement after rest
• Swelling or redness: Possible signs of irritation or injury

Signs of limited movement

• Loss of flexibility: Stretching or bending joints becomes painful or harder than usual
• Lack of stability: Feeling off-balance or unsteady when moving

When these symptoms persist, a therapist can help restore mobility and avoid future complications.

Frequent Complaints of Pain or Discomfort

If a child often complains about pain or discomfort, it could mean they need physical therapy. These issues may not always come from a visible injury, but they can still affect physical health.

Early attention can prevent those problems from becoming more serious.

Warning signs:

• Recurring pain during or after physical activity
• Difficulty finishing routines or playing due to discomfort
• Frequent need for rest or avoiding specific movements
• Ongoing pain in one area with no clear cause

An evaluation can relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of long-term effects.

Unusual Posture or Gait

Unusual posture or walking patterns can indicate a need for physical therapy, especially when they cause pain, limit movement, or affect balance. These patterns often result from weak muscles, poor coordination, or neurological conditions.

Common signs:

• Ongoing pain: Discomfort related to movement or posture
• Movement difficulties: Problems with bending, turning, or standing upright
• Visible gait changes: Uncoordinated walking (ataxic) or short, quick steps (festinating)

When posture or gait interferes with daily life, therapy can support the child’s physical development and quality of life.

Slow Recovery from Injury

A child who takes longer than expected to recover from an injury may benefit from physical therapy. Slow healing can impact their ability to join activities and may lead to frustration or lack of confidence.

Physical therapy provides a structured and personalized plan to speed up recovery, improve mobility, and reduce pain.

How therapy helps:

• Injury evaluation: Identifies reasons for delayed healing
• Personalized rehab plan: Matches the child’s needs and pace of progress
• Targeted techniques: Uses exercises to restore strength and function
• Guidance and follow-up: Teaches the family how to support recovery and avoid setbacks

Physical therapy helps children return to daily routines and play with more comfort and emotional ease.

Taking Action for Your Child’s Health and Development

Pediatric physical therapy supports children’s overall development. It addresses medical concerns and also encourages motor learning and independence starting in early childhood.

Acting early can make a big difference. Therapy helps improve motor skills, build strength, correct posture, and develop balance and coordination. All of this happens in a setting adapted to the child’s age and individual needs.

Taking action means observing, recognizing, and reaching out to professionals when needed. Pediatric physical therapy builds each child’s potential, promoting their physical, emotional, and social well-being long term.

Sources:

• Kretch, K. S., Willett, S. L., Hsu, L. Y., Sargent, B. A., Harbourne, R. T., & Dusing, S. C. (2022). “Learn the signs. Act early.”: updates and implications for physical therapists. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 34(4), 440-448.
• Sudhir, C. S., Sharath, H. V., Chavan, S. S., & HV, S. (2023). A brief overview of recent pediatric physical therapy practices and their importance. Cureus, 15(10).