FAQs

Preparing for your child’s first pediatric physical therapy appointment at our Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney or Lincoln, NE clinic can help ensure a smooth and successful visit. Here are some common steps parents can take to be prepared:

Gather relevant medical information, including your child’s medical history, medications, and recent test results. This can help your child’s physical therapist better understand your child’s overall health and development.

Make a list of any questions or concerns you have about your child’s physical development or therapy plan. This can help you stay organized and focused during the appointment and ensure that you get the information and support you need.

Dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for movement. Don’t forget exercise-appropriate footwear, too! Your child will likely be asked to perform exercises or activities during the appointment (including initial consultations), so make sure they can move freely.

Arrive a few minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork and allow your child to get comfortable in the new environment, so they’ll feel more relaxed when they meet their therapist and begin the appointment.

With just a little bit of prep, you can ensure your child has a successful pediatric physical therapy session at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center!

Pediatric physical therapy addresses the unique needs of children with movement disorders and developmental delays. The Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center team focuses on helping children improve their physical function, mobility, and quality of life through scientifically-backed therapeutic techniques and exercises.

Several conditions can cause children to struggle with movement, balance, coordination, strength, and/or flexibility. Here are some of the more common ones that can benefit from pediatric physical therapy:

• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Spina bifida
• Muscular dystrophy
• Other developmental delays

These conditions can impact a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in social and recreational activities. Fortunately, our results-oriented approach to pediatric physical therapy can help your child set and achieve movement-related goals so they can be more involved at school, at play, or within their community.

Our pediatric physical therapists use several evidence-based treatment techniques to address these conditions and improve your child’s physical function. One of the most effective approaches is specialized exercises to improve strength, range of motion, and balance. We also help children learn to use adaptive equipment like braces or walkers.

Pediatric physical therapy is a critical resource for children with movement disorders and developmental delays, helping them to improve their physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life. Every child will receive a customized treatment plan based on their unique needs.

Call (308) 398-5170 today to learn more about our pediatric physical therapy programs right here in Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney or Lincoln, NE!

Pediatric physical therapy can greatly benefit children with a variety of conditions, enhancing their quality of life and promoting healthy development. Common conditions that may benefit from pediatric physical therapy include developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and genetic disorders. Physical therapy helps improve motor skills, balance, coordination, and strength, enabling children to achieve greater independence in their daily activities. With personalized treatment plans, pediatric physical therapists support each child’s unique needs, fostering a positive and encouraging environment for growth and progress.

At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, we want our patients’ families to be deeply engaged in their treatment! In fact, studies show that involving a child’s family in their physical therapy leads to the best outcomes.

During our sessions, we’ll work directly with you and your child to set goals, improve their overall movement, and develop functional skills like crawling, walking, and playing.

Our expert pediatric physical therapists can also provide education and support to help you better understand your child’s condition and how to support your child’s physical development at home, which has been proven to lead to better results. Some of our suggestions might include the following:

• Tips for incorporating physical activity into daily routines
• Suggestions for adaptive equipment and assistive technology, including home modifications
• Guidance on managing pain and other symptoms associated with movement disorders

In addition, it’s important to understand that pediatric physical therapy at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center is a collaboration between your child, you and your family, our pediatric physical therapists, and your child’s medical team. We’ll work closely with primary care physicians and other medical professionals to ensure that therapy is aligned with your child’s overall health goals.

We want to see your child thrive, so we always use the latest research and input from family and healthcare providers when developing our customized treatment plans. Schedule an appointment to get started!

Your child’s initial appointment will include a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed medical history review. The physical exam will be largely observational–we’ll watch your child engage in play or other simple movements to form our evaluation. This information helps us develop our detailed treatment plan.

Before coming into your initial appointment, we also recommend making a list of any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s physical development. This can help you stay organized and focused during the session and ensure that you get the information and support you need. We’ll do our best to hear any fears or uncertainties to clarify and reassure you and your child.

Subsequent sessions will focus on carrying out your child’s treatment plan. Again, we suggest coming to each session with any questions or concerns to ensure your child gets the most out of their physical therapy.

Our pediatric physical therapists will work closely with your child during each session to perform exercises and techniques to improve physical function and mobility. At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, we try to make physical therapy feel as close to play as possible, so our therapists will likely use fun equipment like balls, swings, and obstacle courses to help your child achieve their goals.

Our therapists will keep detailed records of your child’s progress throughout their program, including factors such as pain levels, range of motion, and functional skills. It’s vital that you regularly discuss your child’s progress and setbacks so we can make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

The experts at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center want to ensure that your child continues progressing, experiences concrete results, and achieves their physical development goals. Call us today to get started on a customized treatment plan!

Pediatric physical therapy at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center is designed to be gentle while helping children improve their physical function and mobility without causing pain or discomfort. While some therapy techniques, such as stretching or resistance exercises, may feel uncomfortable at times, our experts are trained to work with children in a way that minimizes any discomfort or pain.

However, it’s important to note that every child’s experience with pediatric physical therapy will be different. If your child is experiencing significant discomfort or distress during therapy, it’s essential to share your concerns with your therapist so we can explore alternative treatment options.

Our results-oriented approach to pediatric physical therapy means we always work closely with each child and their family to ensure that treatment is fun, comfortable, and effective. We welcome feedback if something’s not working.

With the help of our skilled therapists and supportive families, your child can maximize their full potential!

Pediatric occupational therapy evaluates, treats, and supports children who struggle to perform daily activities. This type of therapy promotes a child’s overall development and independence by providing strategies and modifications for everyday tasks.

Pediatric occupational therapy differs from physical therapy in its focus on functionality. While physical therapy strives to improve a child’s strength, balance, and range of motion, occupational therapy improves fine motor skills, coordination, attention and focus, and overall self-care abilities.

Here are some specific tasks that we can help your child improve or develop:

• Feeding
• Dressing, practicing good hygiene
• Handwriting
• Interacting and socializing with other children
• Participating in chores at home or school

At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, we take a results-oriented approach to occupational therapy and will help your child identify and achieve goals that are important to them. Every child will receive customized treatment options based on their specific needs.

Because we tailor our approach, treatments will vary. However, we’ll usually use one or more of the following scientifically-backed techniques:

• Play-based activities
• Sensory integration therapy
• Adaptive equipment and assistive technology
• Cognitive-behavioral interventions

No matter your child’s requirements, the pediatric occupational therapists at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center will always incorporate the latest research into our treatments. We work closely with families and caregivers to provide the best possible care for every patient.

To learn more about how pediatric occupational therapy can help your child, request an appointment at our Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney or Lincoln, NE clinic today!

Any child experiencing difficulties with daily activities due to physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges can benefit from pediatric occupational therapy. The team at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center has experience with several different conditions, including the following:

• Birth injuries or congenital disabilities
• Sensory processing disorders
• Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord
• Learning problems
• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Spina bifida
• Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other chronic illnesses
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Mental health or behavioral problems
• Broken bones or other orthopedic injuries
• Post-surgical conditions

Regardless of your child’s specific needs, our Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and Lincoln, NE occupational therapists will find solutions that work. Every treatment approach is backed by the latest research and tailored to suit your child.

Contact us today to learn how occupational therapy will help your child thrive!

Occupational therapy is most beneficial for children struggling with day-to-day activities, regardless of their specific condition. If you’ve noticed your child has difficulties with the following tasks, pediatric occupational therapy at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center could be a great choice:

• Fine motor skills
• Being overwhelmed or completely unaffected by external stimuli
• Dressing themselves
• Feeding themselves
• Writing
• Playing
• Interacting with others

During your child’s occupational therapy sessions, our experts will work with them to identify their specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan. We’ll use an evidence-based approach to ensure your child works toward concrete, specific goals. Ultimately, we want to see them thrive in school and play.

If you’re unsure whether or not your child needs occupational therapy, we encourage you to contact our team for a consultation. We can help you assess your child’s needs and determine if occupational therapy is the right fit for your family.

Contact Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center today to schedule your consultation!

At all Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center pediatric occupational therapy sessions, you can expect a personalized, evidence-based approach that addresses your child’s unique needs and challenges.

During your child’s initial appointment, we’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed discussion of your child’s health history, to help us understand their condition and symptoms, areas where they struggle, physical abilities, and personal goals.

We’ll then work closely with you and your child to create a tailored treatment plan that incorporates fun and engaging activities to build skills and improve overall function–all of it based on proven, up-to-date research.

During subsequent sessions, our therapists will work through your child’s treatment plan. We aim to make treatment feel like play while focusing on improving your child’s ability to participate fully in daily tasks and activities.

Your child’s treatment will vary based on their specific strengths and weaknesses. Here are some examples of treatment approaches for some of the more common conditions among our patients:

For children struggling with fine motor skills, we’ll help them improve their hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and grip strength. Soon, they’ll be able to perform tasks that require precision, such as writing, cutting with scissors, or buttoning clothing.

If your child has a sensory processing disorder, our therapists can help them develop coping strategies and improve their ability to regulate their responses to stimuli. We provide similar support to children with autism, alongside helping them develop social skills and communication abilities.

If your child has physical disabilities, we can help them build strength and coordination while working to develop their functional independence. We’ll help your child improve their ability to walk, run, play, get dressed, and more with specialized exercises.

Our therapists can also provide education about assistive devices such as braces or walkers, ensuring your child has as much mobility as possible.

For every one of our patients, regardless of their condition, our therapists will keep careful records of their progress so we can track how well the treatment is working. At regular intervals, we’ll evaluate whether or not goals were met. If needed, we can adjust the treatment program until we find something that gets the desired results.

At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, we aim to see your child develop the skills to thrive and reach their full potential. Contact us today to schedule your child’s occupational therapy sessions and take the first step toward a brighter future.

Is your child struggling to write clearly? Occupational therapy can help! Handwriting is a complex task involving fine motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, and cognitive abilities–all areas our team of occupational therapists can address.

During occupational therapy sessions, we use a range of scientifically-backed interventions to build your child’s skills and confidence in handwriting. Typically, we assess your child’s current abilities and identify any underlying issues impacting their handwriting. Then, we work with your child to develop a personalized treatment plan addressing their needs.

Our Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center interventions may include activities focused on improving fine motor skills, such as finger dexterity, grip strength, and hand-eye coordination. We may also incorporate visual-perceptual activities that help your child recognize and interpret visual information accurately. Additionally, we may work with your child to improve their cognitive skills, such as attention and memory, which are crucial for successful handwriting.

Although our approach is results-oriented, we still aim to create a fun and engaging atmosphere that fosters a positive learning experience. We encourage your child’s participation in daily activities to improve their overall quality of life.

With our expert guidance and support, your child can develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Contact us today to learn how occupational therapy can help your child with handwriting difficulties!

Pediatric speech therapy addresses the unique communication needs of children by fostering healthy growth and development. At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, our goal is to help children express themselves more confidently so they can thrive at school, at play, and at home.

To accomplish this goal, the Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center speech therapists offer a supportive environment where children can overcome speech and language challenges through proven treatment strategies and techniques. Pediatric speech therapy provides a solid foundation for social, emotional, and academic success.

Our pediatric speech therapists can treat a wide range of different conditions. Here are some of the most common:

• Speech Sound Disorders: Difficulties pronouncing sounds correctly
• Language Disorders: Difficulties with both understanding (receptive) and speaking (expressive) skills.
• Fluency Disorders: Difficulties with speaking in a smooth, flowing manner. Stuttering is a common fluency disorder.
• Voice Disorders: Difficulties speaking at an appropriate pitch or volume or with clarity.
• Social Communication Disorders: Difficulties navigating social situations, interpreting social cues, and engaging in age-appropriate interactions.

Our therapists aim to correct any impairments in your child’s speech. For children with severe speech and language challenges, we can provide augmentative or alternative methods of communication (AAC), such as devices, symbols, or gestures.

Our Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and Lincoln, NE pediatric speech therapy clinic collaborates with families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans. Using scientifically proven approaches, we’ll help your child achieve the results they need to succeed at school and beyond.

Together, we can empower our children to find their voices, unlocking a world of possibilities. Request an appointment at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center to get started!

There are several potential reasons a child might need speech therapy, which means there are several indicators to watch out for. If you notice any of the following, your child could be a good candidate for pediatric speech therapy at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center:

• Delayed speech milestones: Every child moves through speech and language development milestones, such as saying their first word between 10 and 14 months. If your child isn’t meeting expected milestones, speech therapy could help.
• Difficulty with articulation: Slurred speech, struggling to produce specific sounds, or difficulty being understood by others could indicate a speech disorder.
• Limited vocabulary or sentence construction: If your child has a restricted vocabulary or struggles with sentence formation, they may have a language disorder.
• Stuttering or uneven speech flow: Disruptions in speech fluency, such as stuttering or frequent repetitions, may indicate a fluency disorder.
• Inconsistent voice quality: Hoarseness, pitch, or volume issues could indicate a voice disorder.
• Challenges with social communication: Difficulty interpreting social cues, maintaining eye contact, or engaging in conversation can all indicate a social communication disorder.

If you notice your child exhibiting any of these indicators, reach out to the experts at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center. Our speech therapists can perform a detailed assessment to determine if your child will benefit from dedicated speech therapy. This assessment will be observational and, to your child, will feel more like a conversation than a test.

When it comes to speech and language disorders, early intervention is crucial in maximizing your child’s potential. The sooner you seek treatment, the more successful that treatment will be.

If you’re concerned your child may have a speech or language disorder, call (308) 398-5170 to schedule an appointment today!

Speech therapy at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center offers many benefits depending on which areas of speech and language your child might be struggling with. Here are just a few of the ways our pediatric speech therapists can help your child succeed:

• Enhance speech clarity: By addressing articulation difficulties, we’ll help children pronounce sounds and words more accurately, improving their speech intelligibility.
• Strengthen language skills: We’ll help your child develop receptive (understanding) and expressive (speaking) language abilities, allowing them to effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings.
• Promote fluent speech: We’ll help children overcome stuttering and other fluency challenges to achieve smoother, more natural speech flow.
• Improve voice quality: By addressing issues related to pitch, volume, and resonance, we can help children to optimize vocal health and communication.
• Developing social communication: We’ll work with your child to improve their ability to understand social cues, engage in conversation, and form meaningful connections with peers and adults.
• Supporting alternative communication methods: For children with severe speech or language difficulties, we can provide different methods of communication, such as communicating through symbols or text-to-speech devices.

When you bring in your child for pediatric speech therapy at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, you’re providing them with proven, evidence-based treatment options. Our therapists will work closely with you and your child to find a treatment plan that helps them meet their speech and language goals.

No matter your child’s needs, we’re here to help! Request your appointment today!

Yes! Stuttering is a common fluency challenge, and our speech therapists can provide targeted, research-backed support to improve your child’s speech fluency and confidence.

During therapy sessions, your child will work on various strategies and techniques designed to address stuttering, such as:

• Fluency shaping: We’ll focus on modifying how your child speaks, helping them develop smoother and more natural speech patterns.
• Stuttering modification: These techniques aim to minimize the severity of stuttering moments, enabling your child to navigate these instances more easily.
• Relaxation and breathing exercises: Stuttering episodes are often worsened by anxiety. We’ll show your child how to “breathe through” their anxiety, which can help reduce the frequency and intensity of stuttering episodes.

In addition to working directly with your child, we’ll provide education and resources to you and your family. Speech therapy is most effective when reinforced in the home, and we can provide you with the tools to do so effectively.

Regular speech therapy will help your child develop the skills and confidence necessary to communicate more effectively, helping them to excel in school and other social settings.

If you’re concerned about your child’s stutter, call (308) 398-5170 to schedule a consultation today!

Absolutely! Speech sound disorders are among the many conditions the Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center speech therapists can help with.

Speech sound disorders are an umbrella term for difficulties articulating specific sounds or sound patterns. The underlying cause of these disorders can vary: the impairment could stem from motor, neurological, structural, or sensory issues. In some cases, there’s no apparent cause at all.

There are two primary types of speech sound disorders:

• Articulation Disorders: These occur when a child struggles to produce sounds correctly, resulting in substitutions, omissions, or distortions of sounds. For example, a child might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or “thoap” instead of “soap.”
• Phonological Disorders: These involve a pattern of sound errors, such as consistently omitting certain sounds or replacing one sound class with another. For instance, a child might replace all sounds produced at the back of the mouth (like “k” and “g”) with sounds made at the front of the mouth (like “t” and “d”).

Our pediatric speech therapists can identify and address these disorders, providing individualized support to help children achieve more intelligible speech. We work with families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan targeting each child’s needs.

If you suspect your child has a speech sound disorder, call (308) 398-5170 today to learn more about our programs!

Articulation disorders will cause a child to struggle to accurately produce speech sounds, severely impacting their clarity and communication. Pediatric speech therapy is an excellent, evidence-based approach to addressing these difficulties. We’ll help your child overcome articulation difficulties and develop more intelligible speech.

During speech therapy sessions, your child will work with one of our therapists on targeted exercises and strategies shown to improve their articulation, including the following:

• Identification and discrimination: These activities help your child recognize and distinguish the correct speech sounds from incorrect ones.
• Auditory and visual feedback: We can provide real-time feedback on your child’s speech to guide them toward accurate sound production.
• Sound drills and repetition: Regularly practicing specific sounds and sound combinations can reinforce correct articulation and build your child’s muscle memory.
• Phoneme modification: Our therapists can introduce techniques to modify how your child produces certain sounds, enhancing overall speech clarity.

In addition to working on individual sounds, our Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center speech therapists also address the integration of these sounds into everyday speech, ensuring that your child’s improved articulation carries over into real-life communication situations.

Worried your child may have a speech articulation disorder? Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!

Receptive-expressive language disorders affect a child’s ability to understand and express language. If left untreated, they can create barriers to communication and learning. Fortunately, pediatric speech therapy at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center offers an evidence-based approach to addressing these challenges, empowering children to develop stronger language skills.

Your child will work with one of our experienced therapists to improve their receptive and expressive language abilities by focusing on the following evidence-based treatment strategies:

• Vocabulary building: We’ll use fun, engaging activities to expand your child’s understanding and use of words, phrases, and sentences.
• Listening comprehension: We’ll work with your child to improve their ability to process and understand spoken language.
• Syntax and grammar: With fun, structured exercises, we’ll help your child develop their understanding and use of language rules, helping them to speak with more accuracy and complexity.
• Pragmatics and social communication: We’ll help your child develop essential conversational skills, such as taking turns, maintaining eye contact, and interpreting non-verbal cues.
• Storytelling and narrative skills: We’ll help your child create and retell stories to foster their ability to organize and express their thoughts coherently.

We’ll tailor our approach to each child based on their strengths, weaknesses, and personality. With our research-backed techniques, our therapists can effectively promote your child’s language development.

Is your child struggling to express themself clearly? Call (308) 398-5170 today to learn more about our programs!

The duration of therapy will vary depending on the child’s unique circumstances. Here are just some of the factors that can have an impact:

• The specific condition: The type and severity of your child’s speech or language disorder will influence the duration of therapy. For example, mild articulation issues may resolve more quickly than complex language or fluency disorders.
• Your child’s age: Early intervention is critical, and younger children often make faster progress due to their developing brains’ plasticity. However, children of all ages can still benefit from speech therapy.
• Consistency and commitment: Regular attendance and active engagement in therapy sessions, combined with consistent practice at home, can significantly impact your child’s progress.
• Individual responsiveness: Each child responds differently to therapy; some may require more or less time to achieve their goals.

At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, our speech therapists work closely with you and your child to develop tailored, effective treatment plans, including the frequency of your child’s appointments. We’ll consider your child’s needs, goals, and availability to create a schedule that will produce results as quickly as possible!

In addition, our team will work with families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to monitor your child’s progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. Maintaining open communication with your child’s speech therapist is essential to monitoring progress and determining the most effective therapy schedule.

But most importantly, remember that every child’s journey to improved communication is different. With patience, dedication, and the expert guidance of our Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and Lincoln, NE pediatric speech therapists, your child will be on the path to achieving their communication goals and unlocking a world of possibilities!

Don’t delay your child’s speech therapy treatment! Call (308) 398-5170 to schedule a consultation today!

Absolutely. In fact, research shows that parental involvement is a crucial component of a successful pediatric speech therapy journey.

For that reason, not only do we allow parents and caregivers to attend their child’s speech therapy sessions, we encourage it. Your presence will provide valuable support, encouragement, and comfort and ensure your child feels more at ease during sessions.

In addition, attending sessions provides other science-backed benefits too. You will…

• Gain a deeper understanding of your child’s speech and language challenges, enabling you to better support their progress at home.
• Learn specific strategies and techniques the therapist uses, so you can effectively reinforce these practices outside of therapy sessions.
• Develop a strong, collaborative relationship with your child’s speech therapist, fostering open communication and teamwork in achieving your child’s goals.

However, it is important to remember that each child’s needs and preferences are unique. Some children may perform better with their parents present, while others may benefit from a more independent therapy experience. You’ll need to discuss your preferences with your child’s speech therapist to find the best approach for your child’s needs.

Research shows that your active engagement and support can significantly affect your child’s speech and language development. Request an appointment today to get started!

Our approach to pediatric speech therapy addresses various speech and language challenges while encouraging a sense of play. The process at our Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and Lincoln, NE speech therapy clinic is dynamic, engaging, and built around up-to-date research and scientifically-proven treatment techniques.

Your child’s initial appointment will consist of a comprehensive speech-language evaluation to help us determine their exact condition and whether speech therapy is an appropriate choice. Using the information from that evaluation, our therapists will develop a customized treatment plan based on your child’s unique needs.

During their speech therapy sessions, your child can expect the following:

• A warm, nurturing environment: It’s crucial that your child feels comfortable during their sessions. Our therapists work to create a welcoming space where your child is free to work on their communication goals without judgment.
• Engaging activities: Our speech therapy sessions include a variety of fun, age-appropriate activities designed to keep our patients motivated and excited about their progress. These activities may consist of games, storytelling, role-playing, or interactive exercises.
• Consistent progress monitoring: We’re focused on producing results, so our therapists will continually monitor your child’s progress, adjusting treatment plans to optimize growth and development.
• Collaboration and support: We always work closely with families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive support system for your child.

At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, our speech therapists will use evidence-based techniques to help your child develop the communication skills they need to thrive in their social, emotional, and academic lives!