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Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a service of the Center for Rehabilitation, uses physical training and therapeutic play to address any issues your child has with movement, coordination, balance, strength and endurance. We will create a plan for your child that may combine exercise, stretches, hands-on techniques and the use of equipment to restore range of motion, relieve pain and possibly avoid surgery.

Beyond your child’s physical therapy sessions, we will coordinate with your child’s pediatrician, caregivers, school and community to encourage your child to function independently.

Our caring team will support your child and your entire family every step of the way.

How we serve you

We provide a variety of services, including:

  • Training to improve range of motion
  • Balance and walking training
  • Casting and splinting
  • Wheelchair safety
  • Re-training the nervous system and muscles to work together to control movement, for example after injury
  • Exercise programs
  • Pain relief and management
  • Instruction for safely getting around
Therapist interviews patient

Meet your team

Every expert physical therapist on your child’s team has the same goal: to see your child thrive.

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Physical therapy locations

Find locations where our pediatric physical therapists work with children.

Mother and son embrace

Our research

The Center for Rehabilitation includes the Neuromotor Performance Lab (NMPL), a destination for innovative study and evaluation of motor performance in infants, children, and adolescents.

Son in wheelchair searching on the computer with mom

Physical therapy resources

We have gathered resources to give you useful information, including transportation resources. We hope this makes your family's life a little easier.

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Resources for professionals 

Everything you need to support your patient’s health, created and updated by our CHOP community of experts.

Patient stories

Events

Teen Wellness Workshop: Mental Performance Training

Monday, Feb 17, 2025

A mental performance coach will teach teens ages 13 - 18 strategies for goal setting, stress management, and fostering resilience for success in sports and life during this 90 minute session.

Teen Wellness Workshop: Weightlifting Basics 2025

Wednesday, Jun 25, 2025

This 90-minute group workshop is designed for beginners ages 13-18 who want to build confidence in their fitness and incorporate weightlifting into their workout routine. CHOP physical therapists will teach the fundamentals of weightlifting, including the proper form and techniques to lift safely and effectively.

Doctor and patient smiling together

Preparing for your child's appointment

How to schedule your child's physical therapy appointment, and what will happen during and after the appointment.

Your donation changes lives

A gift of any size helps us make lifesaving breakthroughs for children everywhere.

Teenage girl trains using a walker
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