Neurological diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, brain tumor, spinal cord injury, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, muscular dystrophy, hypotonia, and seizures can cause difficulties such as poor balance, unsteady gait, abnormal muscle tone, weakness, and difficulty coordinating movement.
The pediatric physical and occupational therapists at Duke are experienced in treating these difficulties using strategies to improve postural control, reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems, and improve coordination of movement to optimize the child’s functional skills. Members of our team have earned certifications in neurodevelopmental treatment and orthotic management, enabling our team to provide high quality care for children with common and rare neurological diagnoses.
The therapists work with the family and collaborate with the child’s medical team to develop a plan of care designed to encourage the child to participate in activities at home, school, and in the community.
PT Treatment
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Balance Training
- Facilitation of Movement
- Gross Motor Skills
- Functional Mobility
- Gait Training
- Adapitive Equiment, Positioning, Orthoses
OT Treatment
- Fine Motor Skills Training
- Visual-Motor Skills Training
- Sensory Integration
Related Links
The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA is the first organization in the United States dedicated to improving the lives of children and families affected by pediatric stroke and other causes of hemiplegia, hemiparesis, or hemiplegic cerebral palsy.)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Cerebral palsy information compiled by the NINDS)
Bridge II Sports (non-profit organization that creates opportunities for children and adults who are physically challenged to play team and individual sports by providing equipment, developing sport teams and coaching, thereby helping them discover tenacity, confidence, self-esteem and the joy of finding the player within.)
