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Physical Therapy in Chicago​

Physical therapy that builds strength, balance, and coordination through play-based sessions designed just for kids.
colored cones and childs legs during physical therapy
child on large swing reaching for a ball during physical therapy
young boy laying on a blue exercise ball during physical therapy

Our Specialty Areas

We work with babies through age 18 who need support with movement, strength, or gross motor development. Our pediatric physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions and challenges, including:​

Neurological & Developmental Conditions

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Down syndrome

  • Global developmental delay

  • Hypotonia and hypertonia

  • Chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders

  • Brachial plexus injuries

  • Erb’s palsy

  • Spinal cord lesions

  • Acquired brain injury

  • Motor delays related to prematurity​

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Musculoskeletal Conditions

  • Decreased strength, muscle tone, or muscle control

  • Limited flexibility, joint motion, or posture challenges

  • Low endurance​​

Orthopedic Conditions

  • Torticollis and flathead syndrome

  • Hip dysplasia

  • Scoliosis

  • Amputation

  • Toe walking

  • Genu valgum (knocked knees)

  • In-toeing​

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Movement and Development Challenges

  • Developmental delay

  • W-sitting

  • Motor planning difficulties

  • Coordination and balance

  • Mobility needs, including transfers, floor mobility, and walking

Our Approach to Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is active, fun, and motivating while we work on strength, balance, coordination, and motor skills.

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Your child might be climbing, jumping, crawling, balancing, or playing games that encourage movement and exploration. Everything is paced to your child’s needs, with breaks, encouragement, and plenty of positive reinforcement.

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Our pediatric physical therapists partner with parents every step of the way. You’re welcome to observe and ask questions during sessions, and we will share simple things you can do at home to support progress between visits. You’ll always know what we’re working on and why it matters.

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We focus on real-world progress. Our goal is to help your child move more confidently in everyday life, on the playground, at school, and at home.

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Our physical therapy team also has advanced training in Dynamic Movement Intervention.

How Physical Therapy Can Help and What We Work On

Physical therapy helps children build the strength, coordination, and motor skills they need to move confidently through their day. From the playground to the classroom to home, we focus on helping your child keep up with everyday activities and feel good doing it. Here are some of the areas we will target during our physical therapy sessions:

  • Strength and Endurance: Building the physical stamina kids need to play, explore, and participate without getting tired too quickly.

  • Balance and Coordination: Helping children feel steadier on their feet and move their bodies with better control.

  • Gross Motor Skills: Walking, running, jumping, climbing, and hitting developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and standing.

  • Core Strength and Posture: Creating a strong foundation for movement and everyday activities.

  • Body Awareness and Motor Planning: Teaching kids how to plan and execute movements with confidence.

  • Mobility and Transitions: Helping children practice movements such as getting on and off the floor, moving between positions, pulling to stand, and becoming more independent with everyday movement.

Dynamic Movement Intervention

What Is DMI?

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a hands-on physical therapy technique that uses positioning and gravity to help children develop new movement skills and work toward their gross motor milestones.

 

During DMI, your child’s physical therapist uses specific exercises and movements based on your child’s individual needs. The goal is to give your child opportunities to practice the positions, movements, and transitions they need to become more independent and confident in how they move.

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DMI can work on skills such as:

  • Rolling

  • Crawling

  • Sitting

  • Standing

  • Walking

  • Moving from the belly into sitting

  • Moving from the back into sitting

  • Pulling to stand

  • Standing up from the middle of the floor

  • Other age-appropriate movements and transitions

Who Can Benefit From DMI?

DMI may be used with children who have gross motor delays or need additional support developing movement skills. This can include children with:

  • Down syndrome

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Global developmental delay

  • Hypotonia

  • Chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders

  • Spinal cord lesions

  • Acquired brain injury

  • Motor delays or risks associated with prematurity

  • Torticollis

  • Toe walking

  • Genu valgum (knocked knees)

  • In-toeing

  • Other orthopedic or gross motor concerns

 

Every child is different. DMI is not a quick fix or a guarantee of progress. A qualified DMI therapist will choose activities based on your child’s individual needs, explain why they’re being used, and provide safe and appropriate ways to support your child’s progress at home.

 

DMI may be one part of your child’s overall physical therapy plan based on their individual needs and goals.

Pediatric Physical Therapy in Arlington Heights, Serving Families Across Chicago

Help Your Child Move With More Confidence

Whether your child is working toward a new milestone, building strength and coordination, or becoming more independent in everyday activities, the Strive to Thrive physical therapy team is here to help.

 

Let’s talk about what you’re noticing and how physical therapy can support your child.

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