Physical Therapy
Our Team Helps Children Move Forward Toward Their Goals
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy refers to the various treatment methods used to develop or restore movement, promote healing and function, and educate children and their families.
PT cares for patients who have a temporary or permanent disability due to injury, disease, birth defect or pain. Therapists also evaluate and instruct children in the use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, walkers, canes or other durable medical equipment.
The goal of the PT program is to help the child enjoy life by attaining his/her optimum level of independence.
Programs
- STRIVE
- Walk Aide
- Wheelchair Mobility
- Custom Pressure Garments
- Lower Extremity Casting
- Treadmill Training Program
- Aquatic (Pool) Therapy
- Summer Therapy Groups
- Instructions for Home Exercises
Services
One key to an effective Physical Therapy program is a complete evaluation. We consider the child’s age and diagnosis when we decide which abilities to test.
Skill areas may include:
- Motor skills, balance and posture
- Muscle tone, strength and range of motion
- Recovery after burns
- Walking and running
- Need for special equipment, which may include adaptive seating, splints, casts or other devices
Who We Serve
We provide service to children of all ages. Some of the problems we help with are:
- Delayed development of mental, motor and social skills
- Nervous system problems
- cerebral palsy
- spina bifida
- brain and spinal cord injuries
- Babies born too early
- Problems brought on by long-term illness
- Limited movement or injuries to neck, arms or legs
- Conditions that require casting or splinting
Our Clinics
Physical Therapy maintains both inpatient and outpatient clinics on the main campus of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, as well as at other locations in Ohio.
Meet Our Team
Our physical therapists aim to help children enjoy life by reaching their highest level of independence.
Our Leadership
Michelle E Byars
Michelle Byars is the Outpatient Physical Therapy Program Manager at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Candace E. Coffman
Candace Coffman is the Mansfield Close To Home Center Director of Operations at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Slawomir Sarna
Slawomir Sarna is the Inpatient Therapies Program Manager at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
New Patient Resources
- Crossroads Registration (main campus only)
- Parking Information (main campus only)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Outpatient Clinics
- Helping Hands: School and Illness
- Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Shadow or Observe a Therapist
If you're interested in observing or shadowing an occupational or physical therapist, please complete our online application form. A representative will contact you within approximately 30 days.
Inside Physical Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency is an APTA-credentialed, 13-month clinical residency that begins in July.
