As a parent, you want what’s best for your child at all times. Unfortunately, there are things you can’t predict and when your child struggles to keep up with their peers physically, getting help quickly is one of the best things you can do. That said, knowing when it’s time to speak with a professional and when your child is actually on-track with their development isn’t easy. Here are a few telltale signs that your child may benefit from pediatric physical therapy services from a trusted expert.

1. Their Teacher Expresses Concerns

Your child’s teacher can be one of your biggest resources when it comes to assessing their development and behavior. Pay attention to the things they tell you during parent/teacher conferences. If they express concerns about your child’s ability to physically keep up with their peers or notice issues that you’ve dismissed as normal, follow up. Schedule a consultation with a physical therapist and find out what’s going on. 

2. Your Child Struggles With Stairs

Walking up and down stairs is an important skill that all children need to develop. However, some kids find the movements difficult even after they’ve been walking for several years. Pay attention to the way your child handles even small sets of stairs. If their awkward movements are due to them just playing around, they’ll be able to tell you. However, if they’re struggling to walk up and down the stairs, they won’t change the way they approach stairs regardless of where they are.

3. Balance Problems Are Common

Once your child learns to walk, they should start to develop stronger balance skills. Though spills, trips, and balance issues will happen occasionally, they shouldn’t happen every day. If you notice your child having trouble balancing during normal activities like walking, running, or even sitting, it’s time to schedule a consultation. It’s likely that they have weak muscles that are making it hard for them to support their own weight.

4. They Walk With a Strange Gait

Everyone walks slightly differently, but the usual gait is the same. Most people, kids included, walk with their toes pointed mostly straight forward with steps that rock from heel to toe. Some children develop strange gaits or walk with their toes turned in or fanned out depending. If you notice that their gait doesn’t look quite normal, schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. They’ll be able to figure out the root cause of your child’s gait issues.

Physical Therapy Is a Great Tool

Physical therapy is one of the best ways to help correct physical and muscular issues that can impact your child’s development if left unaddressed. However, it’s best if you can get started with treatment as early as possible. If you notice any of these signs in your child, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with an experienced physical therapist as soon as you can. During the consultation, they’ll assess your child’s movement and strength to determine the exact underlying cause of their issues. It’s non-invasive and will set your child up for success.