Sponsored by: LifeScape

Life can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to your kids and their medical needs. You may notice your child isn’t reaching developmental milestones like crawling or walking; they may have a challenging time using their hands, playing with certain toys, or feeding themselves; or they may been hurt in an injury or fallen ill. Regardless of the severity of what your child is experiencing, a physiatrist can help.

More commonly referred to as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiatrists or PM&R physicians, collaborate with therapists, doctors, nurses, and others to provide individualized care that is focused on helping kids achieve their highest level of function and quality of life.

It can be complicated, but we can help with three areas: why you might be referred to a physiatrist, what they can help you with, and coordination of care. One thing to keep in mind as you dive into this is that physiatrists are the common thread needed for rehabilitation.

Why was my child referred to a physiatrist?

Pediatric physiatrists are doctors who specialize in the nonsurgical treatment of nerve, muscle, and bone injuries, along with illnesses that affect your child’s movement. They care for your child from the time they become sick or injured and throughout the rehabilitation process.

Reasons your child might benefit from seeing a physiatrist:

· They have flat feet or walk on their toes

· They were born prematurely and have delays in their skills

· They have high muscle tone or stiffness

· They had a previous illness or injury that has changed how they are able to do things

· They need braces, splints, or devices to help them move

What can physiatrists do for my child?

When seeing a physiatrist, they can help you manage medications for your child and guide you through rehabilitative therapies your child might need. You may be thinking, what if my child needs orthotics, prosthetics, a walker, or a wheelchair? Physiatrists can help there too! Think of it as a one-stop-shop.

Coordination of Care

Here’s where seeing a physiatrist can really help your child. They know who to connect you to in order to help your child get what they may need. They work with your primary care provider, pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and more. As they put together a treatment plan, they coordinate with many rehabilitation professionals from physical, occupational and speech therapists to people who make braces and splints and equipment specialists, and more. Whatever your child needs to help them improve their function and quality of life, physiatrists can guide you along your journey.

While that’s a lot of information to think about, it’s reassuring knowing that one doctor can help with everything your child and family needs during their rehabilitation. Whether your child is just beginning their rehabilitation journey or it’s something that comes up later in their childhood, LifeScape’s Rehabilitation Center houses Sanford’s Pediatric Physiatry Group, which includes

three amazing providers ready to help ensure your child receives the highest standard of care. Learn more by clicking here.