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Does My Child Need Physical Therapy? Gross Motor Milestones Explained
- Megan Dennae
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
Pediatric Physical Therapy in Mechanicsburg, PA
Gross motor skills allow children to move, explore, and interact with their world. Skills like rolling, sitting, walking, running, and climbing are all part of gross motor development. While every child develops at their own pace, some movement challenges may indicate that physical therapy (PT) could be helpful.
At Clear Path Pediatric Therapy, we provide pediatric physical therapy in Mechanicsburg, PA to support children in developing strength, coordination, balance, and confidence in movement.
What Is Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy focuses on improving a child’s ability to move efficiently and safely. PT supports:
Strength and muscle development
Balance and postural control
Coordination and motor planning
Endurance for daily activities
Confidence in movement and play
Therapy is play-based, engaging, and tailored to your child’s unique needs and developmental level.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Physical Therapy
Delayed gross motor milestones
Your child may take longer to roll, sit, crawl, stand, or walk compared to peers.
Frequent falls or clumsiness
Children who fall often, appear unsteady, or avoid physical play may have balance or coordination challenges.
Poor balance or difficulty standing on one foot
Trouble maintaining balance during play, walking on uneven surfaces, or navigating playground equipment may indicate underlying strength or postural control needs.
Toe walking
Consistent toe walking beyond early toddlerhood may be a sign that physical therapy could help address muscle tightness, strength, or motor patterns.
Difficulty with stairs or playground activities
Struggling with stairs, jumping, running, climbing, or keeping up with peers during play may signal a need for PT support.
Low muscle tone or decreased strength
Children who fatigue easily, appear floppy, or have difficulty holding themselves upright may benefit from targeted strengthening and endurance activities.
Avoidance of physical activities
Some children avoid sports, playground play, or active games due to difficulty with movement or lack of confidence.
Why Early Physical Therapy Matters
Early physical therapy can help children:
Build strength and coordination
Improve balance and body awareness
Reduce frustration and risk of injury
Gain confidence during play and daily activities
Participate more fully at home, school, and in the community
Supporting motor skills early can prevent compensatory movement patterns and help children feel successful as physical demands increase.
Pediatric Physical Therapy at Clear Path Pediatric Therapy
Our physical therapists use evidence-based, play-centered approaches to support gross motor development in a warm and encouraging environment. We work closely with families to ensure skills practiced in therapy carry over into everyday routines.
Serving Mechanicsburg, PA and surrounding Central PA communities
Contact us today to schedule a physical therapy evaluation or learn more about how pediatric PT can support your child’s movement and development.
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