Physical Therapy
The Role of a Physical Therapist (PT) in the School Setting:
A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional that assesses, treats, and/or makes recommendations to improve or maintain a student's level of functioning. In the school environment, this includes addressing musculoskeletal development/posture, functional mobility, components of movement, adaptive equipment needs, and environmental adaptations.
When to Refer to a PT for Screening?
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Student's bilateral or motor coordination, mobility or gross motor skills impact academic participation and success.
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In combination with a suspected gross motor delay in balance, locomotion, or object manipulation (ball) skills, a student demonstrates challenges following verbal directions to complete actions in the academic setting in a timely manner.
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A student has physical impairments, e.g., decreased strength or range of motion, that impact academic participation.