Reasons for a Pediatric Physical Therapy Referral
1. Noticeable increase or decrease in muscle tone.
2. Asymmetrical body movements.
3. Excessive crossing of the legs or "stiff legs".
4. Lack of movement, decreased motivation or disinterest to move.
5. Development delays.
What kinds of things should a child be doing at age...?
3 Months
- Starts to gain control of head at midline
- Takes weight on forearms- tummy lying
- Does random swiping, kicking, batting
4 Months
- Lift shoulders off of surface when on tummy with support on forearms
- Brings hands together
5 Months
- Rolls to side and tummy to back
- Reaches with one upper arm in tummy lying
- Lifts head in backlying
6 Months
- Sits with arm support
- Rolls back to tummy
- Brings both feet to mouth
- Grasps and transfers objects in hands
7 Months
- Crawling on hands and knees; tummy may still be in contact with the surface
8 Months
- Sits alone unsupported
- Starts pulling to stand given support at hands
9 Months
- Cruising along furniture emerges
- Throws things to the ground
- Sits back from hands and knees position
- Creeping on hands and knees
10-11 Months
- Cruises easily along furniture sideways in standing
- Pulls up to stand from sitting and lowers self down
12 Months
- Pulls to stand by raising one knee up first.
- Plays in side sitting
- Creeps over obstacles and up 2 steps
15-17 Months
- Walks independently
- Walks holding objects
- Begins walking upstairs with railing
18-23 Months
- Jumps up 2 inches
- Stoops or squats to play or get toy
- Runs 10 ft
2-3 Years
- Stands on one foot 1-3 seconds
- Hops 3x in place
- Jumps off 1 step or higher
3-4 Years
- Walks upstairs alternating feet
- Walks backwards and sideways
- Begins hopping forward and skipping
- Throws balls overhead
- Rides tricycle
5-6 Years
- Skips alternating feet
- Able to do a sit-up
- Dress and undresses independently
- Gallops
- Able to perform a somersault
- Walks downstairs alternating feet
If you have any concerns regarding your child's development, please contact your pediatrician or primary care physician.
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