Physical Therapy

We are fortunate to have an experienced physical therapist on staff to address a wide range of motor challenges. Carrie takes a play-based, functional approach to therapy, ensuring that each child gains the maximum benefit from therapy. She collaborates closely with families and other professionals to create a holistic support system, empowering each child to move, grow, and thrive.

  • Physical therapy helps children develop foundational movement skills by improving muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. Through guided play and structured activities, PTs can assists children in reaching key milestones such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Our physical therapist uses engaging, developmentally appropriate exercises to encourage movement and build confidence. By addressing gross motor delays early, we help children develop the skills necessary for greater independence in play, school, and daily activities.

  • Children who struggle with balance and coordination may have difficulty with tasks such as walking, riding a bike, climbing stairs, or participating in sports. Our physical therapy services focus on enhancing postural control, proprioception, and motor planning to help children move with greater ease and confidence. Through fun and engaging exercises like obstacle courses, dynamic movements, and targeted strengthening activities, we help children develop the necessary skills to improve stability and prevent falls. By refining their balance and coordination, we empower children to participate fully in physical activities and everyday tasks with confidence.

  • Children with muscle weakness or low tone may experience difficulty with posture, coordination, and endurance, which can impact their ability to engage in everyday activities. Our physical therapy services focus on strengthening muscles through targeted exercises, improving postural control, and enhancing motor function. Using a play-based approach, we incorporate resistance training, functional movement activities, and core stabilization techniques to help children build strength in a way that is engaging and motivating. By supporting improved muscle tone and strength, our physical therapist can help develop the endurance and stability needed for walking, running, jumping, and other physical activities that promote overall development and independence.

  • Infants with torticollis may have difficulty turning their heads due to tight neck muscles, which can also contribute to head shape asymmetry (plagiocephaly). Physical therapy focuses on gentle stretching, repositioning techniques, and strengthening exercises to improve range of motion, promote symmetrical movement, and support healthy head shaping. We work closely with families to provide positioning strategies and tummy time activities that encourage proper development. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term movement restrictions and ensuring optimal motor development.

  • Some children exhibit walking patterns such as toe-walking, in-toeing, or limping, which may be caused by muscle tightness, neurological conditions, or developmental delays. Our physical therapy services focus on assessing and addressing the underlying causes of these gait abnormalities through strengthening, stretching, balance training, and gait retraining exercises. By improving muscle coordination, joint alignment, and motor control, we help children develop a more efficient and functional walking pattern, reducing discomfort and promoting confident mobility.

  • Children with orthopedic concerns, such as scoliosis, joint instability, fractures, or post-surgical recovery needs, benefit from targeted therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Our physical therapy services address pain management, joint alignment, and mobility challenges to help children regain movement confidence and prevent future complications. Through a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and movement training, we help children build resilience and maintain an active lifestyle.

  • Our physical therapy services support children with a variety of neurological and developmental diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and genetic or metabolic conditions that affect movement. We focus on improving functional mobility, coordination, strength, and independence through individualized interventions. Our physical therapist uses adaptive strategies and therapeutic exercises to help children navigate their environments with greater ease and confidence.

  • Our physical therapy services support children with a variety of neurological and developmental diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and genetic or metabolic conditions that affect movement. We focus on improving functional mobility, coordination, strength, and independence through individualized interventions. Our physical therapist uses adaptive strategies and therapeutic exercises to help children navigate their environments with greater ease and confidence.

Aquatic Physical Therapy

We’re excited to introduce our Aquatic Physical Therapy program—an innovative, fun, and effective way to support children’s motor development and physical goals. Held in a warm, child-friendly pool, sessions are playfully tailored to each child’s needs. Aquatic therapy can help improve strength, coordination, balance, and endurance in a low-impact environment that reduces stress on joints and encourages movement. Whether your child is working on walking, balance, or building confidence in their body, our aquatic program offers a motivating and supportive space to make progress through play.

Meet Our PT

Carrie is a licensed physical therapist in Virginia with over 20 years of pediatric experience. Carrie has worked in a variety of settings, including early intervention, NICU, and outpatient clinics, with extensive experience supporting preterm infants. She brings a creative, play-based approach to help children reach their developmental goals and is certified in Swim Whisperers® Program, Level 2 through Swim Angelfish, offering specialized aquatic physical therapy.