3 Pediatric physical therapy at GCMH The hospital’s Therapy Services Department meets a wide range of patient needs. In addition to expanded hours and a larger team of therapists to serve adults, pediatric therapy is now provided by Jenni Sutton, DPT. Here she shares information about when therapy may be appropriate for a child. QWhat types of conditions might make physical therapy a good option? A Some children are born with certain conditions, while others have neurological conditions that develop at birth or in utero, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Anytime a parent senses that their child is not meeting development milestones, a check-in with a physical therapist can help assess whether additional help is needed to maintain ageappropriate progress. QHow soon might therapy begin? A As soon as a physical delay is noticed, it is a good idea to speak to your child’s provider and ask if a referral to physical therapy is needed. When related to prematurity or other known diagnoses, it is a good idea to have the child or infant evaluated, and the therapist will create an individualized plan for them. I formerly worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with pre-term babies, so I believe there is no such thing as “too soon” for therapy if it can help a child. QWhat does a typical therapy session look like? A Therapy sessions are tailored to individual needs, and for infants and young children, they are based on play! Fun activities help achieve specific goals, such as improving strength, balance and coordination. A typical session is about 45 minutes, and the goal is to provide each child and their family with the tools they need to succeed at home, school and elsewhere! Harley Forry, DPT Erika Pottebaum, ATC The team is growing! Along with the addition of pediatric therapy, the Therapy team has also grown. Physical therapist Harley Forry and athletic trainer Erika Pottebaum both joined the team this summer! GCMH Therapy Services Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 319-824-5097 Upcoming classes and events Register for classes at gcmh.link/events. Payment is requested at registration. LiveWell Series: The Benefits of a Healthy Gut and How to Support Yours Monday, Sept. 16, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Diabetes Prevention Program FREE Preview Monday, Sept. 30, 1 to 2 p.m. Heartsaver First Aid CPR class Monday, Oct. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. This class combines online learning with in-person training at the hospital. LiveWell Series: Keep Your Immune System Healthy Monday, Oct. 21, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Diabetes Quarterly Education & Support Group Monday, Oct. 28, 1 to 2 p.m. Mini Medical School Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. Heartsaver First Aid CPR class Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5 to 7 p.m. This class combines online learning with in-person training at the hospital.
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