Developmental Services - Case Management Manual

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) may be appropriate for persons who have problems with posture and locomotion. Posture is the ability to assume and/or maintain the body, or segment of, in a specific position. Locomotion is the ability to move from place to place. Indicators: poor postural reflexes, disorders of tone, movement, strength, balance, or coordination.

A physical therapist can be useful in assisting and dealing with the following:

1. Posture or general skeletal alignment involving spine and limbs.
2. Range of motion/joint flexibility/deformities such as severe flat feet, arm and leg joint tightness.
3. Gait (walking) or other means of mobility (creeping, wheelchair use).
4. Need for adaptive equipment to assist in safety, accessibility, positioning, or mobility.
5. Orthotic (braces) or prosthetic (artificial limbs) devices for back or legs.
6. Selection of proper shoes, shoe inserts and lifts.
7. Problems with balance equilibrium.
8. Coordination.
9. Pain related to movement.
10. Strength/endurance/
11. Muscle tone - too much (spasticity) or too little (hypo tonicity).
12. Gross motor skills.
13. Body mechanics for people or care givers.
14. Transfer techniques.