Evaluations

What to Expect at Rady Children’s Physical Therapy Evaluation

Developmental Evaluations

Physical therapy evaluations require a referral from a physician and a prescription. The evaluation starts with a review of the child’s history, including:

1. Prenatal status and possible complications
2. Birth history
3. Medical problems or complications
4. Current medications
5. Previous hospitalizations, surgeries, or injuries
6. Gross motor milestones

Evaluation of the child’s gross motor skills is play-based and may include the following, depending on the needs of the child:

• Standardized testing, including the Alberta Infant Motor Scales, Developmental Assessment of Young Children, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, and Gross Motor Function Measure.
• Assessment of Range of Motion (ROM), strength, muscle tone, reflexes, posture, balance, gait, and functional ability. Parts of the evaluation are done with hands-on activities, while others are done by observing the child moving in the environment, interacting with toys, equipment, or with the family. At the end of the evaluation, the therapist summarizes the findings and makes recommendations for follow-up care to the family.

Preparing Your Child with Autism for Physical Therapy

I am going to the exercise doctor

Provided by the Autism Friendly Health System Initiative

Orthopedic Evaluations

Rady Children’s offers comprehensive orthopedic evaluations for infants, children, and adolescents. Our experienced team of pediatric orthopedic specialists is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from common injuries like sprains and fractures to complex congenital disorders. During an orthopedic evaluation, our specialists will conduct a thorough assessment, including a medical history review, physical examination, and, if necessary, imaging studies. Based on the findings, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to help your child recover and return to their favorite activities.

Subjective Exam
We begin with a thorough subjective examination to gather information about your child’s medical history, including their age, activity level, and the circumstances surrounding their injury or condition. We will also discuss their symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or limitations in movement.

Objective Exam
Next, we perform a physical examination to assess your child’s overall health and identify any specific issues. This examination may involve:

• Observation: Assessing your child’s posture, gait, and any visible signs of injury or deformity.
• Range of Motion: Measuring the extent of movement in your child’s joints.
• Strength Testing: Evaluating muscle strength to identify any weaknesses.
• Palpation: Gently feeling specific areas to check for tenderness, swelling, or other abnormalities.
• Special Tests: Performing specific maneuvers to diagnose conditions like ligament sprains, muscle strains, or other musculoskeletal issues.
• Sensory Exam: Assessing your child’s sensation to rule out nerve involvement.
• Functional Assessment: Evaluating your child’s ability to perform daily activities.

Assessment and Treatment Plan
Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, our specialists will:

• Summarize the findings and diagnosis
• Recommend any necessary referrals to other specialists
• Develop a personalized treatment plan, including physical therapy and, if needed, surgical intervention
• Provide specific home exercise programs to aid in recovery