What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) focuses on helping children achieve their highest level of physical function and independence. Through therapeutic exercises, positioning, handling techniques, developmental play activities and other specialized interventions, physical therapists work with children and families to improve strength, coordination and mobility. Care is delivered in collaboration with your child’s medical team, caregivers, schools and community providers to ensure a comprehensive, team-based approach.
Why Choose GCH Buffalo for PT?
Families choose Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo because our licensed physical therapists have extensive pediatric experience and use evidence-based techniques tailored to each child’s needs. Our therapists collaborate with the child’s healthcare team and family to create individualized care plans focused on functional outcomes, developmental support and long-term independence. The program provides both outpatient and inpatient services to ensure continuity of care.
The Care We Provide
The Physical Therapy Program offers a wide range of services to support a child’s growth, development and recovery. Services include acute rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, pain relief and management, developmentally supportive care, Early Intervention Program evaluations, electrical stimulation and other therapeutic modalities, family education and training, gait training using specialized equipment such as LiteGait, infant massage, neuromuscular re-education, orthopedic care, scar management, splinting and casting, and taping for support.
Our physical therapists also specialize in caring for children with specific needs, including connective tissue disorders such as Lupus or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, developmental delays, genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy, neurological disorders including Cerebral Palsy and Spinal Cord Injury, challenges related to prematurity, scoliosis, sports and orthopedic injuries, toe walking, torticollis and plagiocephaly.
Therapeutic Interventions
Acute rehabilitation, neuromuscular re-education, electrical stimulation and other therapeutic modalities.
Aquatic Therapy
Water-based therapy to build strength, flexibility and movement in a supportive environment.
Gait and Mobility Training
Gait training using specialized equipment such as LiteGait.
Specialized Techniques
Splinting and casting, taping for support, scar management and infant massage.
Developmental Support
Developmentally supportive care and Early Intervention Program evaluations.
Pain and Family Education
Pain relief and management plus family education and training.
Meet Your Child’s Care Team
The Physical Therapy Program is led by licensed pediatric physical therapists with specialized training and experience. Our team works closely with families, physicians, schools and other providers to ensure therapy is integrated into the child’s overall care plan and focuses on improving function and independence.
Where Your Child Can Receive Care
Physical therapy services are available through the Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation at:
Golisano Children’s Buffalo Outpatient Center (Conventus)
2nd floor
1001 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Front desk: (716) 323-6510
Fax: (716) 323-6681
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric physical therapy helps children improve movement, coordination, balance, strength and endurance to support daily activities, play, school participation and overall independence.
Children with developmental delays, prematurity-related challenges, connective tissue or genetic disorders, neurological conditions, orthopedic injuries, scoliosis, toe walking, torticollis, plagiocephaly or other medical or developmental needs may benefit.
Our physical therapists and staff meet your child on their level to ensure the care plan is tailored to their ability and future goals for mobility and development.
A referral may be required depending on your child’s insurance and care needs. Your pediatrician or healthcare provider can help determine the next steps.
Physical therapists collaborate with families, physicians, educators and other therapy providers to create an individualized, goal-focused care plan that promotes functional independence and developmental progress.
Helping your child move and grow
From early developmental support to recovery after injury, our pediatric physical therapists build individualized plans that help children gain strength, mobility and independence. Connect with the Physical Therapy Program to learn more.