Pediatric Physical Therapy
in Boise, ID
Is your child experiencing difficulty with movement during play, self-care, or exploration? Has an injury left your child needing to regain strength and mobility? Fundamental activities such as walking, running, and interacting with peers require essential movement skills, including strength and balance. The good news is that physical therapy offers a proven, effective approach to help children develop these skills in a supportive, engaging environment.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping your child build the physical abilities necessary to make movement feel easier and more natural. Whether your child struggles with balance, coordination, endurance, flexibility, or strength, we provide evidence-based treatments tailored to their specific needs. With our services, your child can develop the skills and confidence to move, play, and explore with greater freedom and ease.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a specialized form of treatment designed to address challenges related to movement. These difficulties may stem from developmental delays, medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, or recent injuries.
As experts in human movement, physical therapists are trained to identify the specific skills that are hindering your child’s ability to move effectively. Once these areas are identified, we utilize evidence-based, engaging methods to help your child develop the necessary skills. Our goal is to foster greater confidence and independence in movement, empowering your child to achieve improved mobility and function.
Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Physical Therapy
Your child may benefit from physical therapy if they show any of the following signs:
- Difficulty reaching developmental milestones (e.g., sitting, crawling, walking)
- Persistent clumsiness or uncoordinated movements
- Noticeable weakness in the arms, legs, or core muscles
- Difficulty holding up their head, sitting up straight, or maintaining balance
- Walking on tiptoes beyond age two
- In-toeing (pigeon-toed) or out-toeing when walking
- Discomfort during activities like running, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Difficulty recovering from an injury or surgery
- Persistent pain or stiffness after a sprain, strain, or fracture
- Frequent falling or trouble with activities requiring balance, like riding a bike or jumping
- Difficulty catching a ball or participating in physical games
- Preference for looking in one direction or tilting the head to one side (torticollis)
- Flattened areas on the head (plagiocephaly)
- Low Tone (floppy) or High Tone (overly stiff muscles)
- Trouble navigating stairs or playground equipment
Our Approach to Physical Therapy
At Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to your child’s treatment. We know that every child and every family is different, and we take the time to develop a treatment plan that will best support your child’s individual needs.
Our physical therapists are experts who use play-based functional treatment methods that utilize the most up to date evidence based practice to get results. Some of the methods that we use during physical therapy sessions include:
- Balance Training
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Adaptive Equipment and Fittings
- Aquatic Therapy
- Neuromuscular Reeducation
- Manual Therapy
- Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (LiteGait)
- Functional Biomechanics
- Non-invasive spinal electrical stimulation (NISE-STIM)
- Kineso-Taping
- Cupping and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Release
What Can Your Child Learn in Physical Therapy?
Our skilled and compassionate physical therapists can help your child build a ton of vital skills, including:
- Balance and coordination
- Strength and endurance
- Joint flexibility
- Stronger posture
- Better gait (walking patterns)
- Improved use of assistive equipment
- Safe, independent movement
Why Choose Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy
Our mission is to provide the highest quality of evidence-based care to the children and families we work with. This is how we do it:
Encouraging Triumph
We encourage children to triumph over their obstacles through our integrity, our care, and our commitment to making therapy fun.
Dynamic Environment
We take a dynamic approach to pediatric therapy by meeting each child at their ability level and providing them with the tools they need to reach their fullest potential.
Provider Dedication
Our therapists will do what it takes to support your child and your family, and we pride ourselves on obtaining the highest level of education for the most up to date interventions. As a team we are also happy to acquire new skills, certifications, and tools to assist your child in meeting their functional potential. Kaleidoscope supports the APTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to questions that parents frequently ask about pediatric physical therapy. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help.
What conditions can physical therapy help with?
Physical therapy can help with a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, torticollis & plagiocephaly, Down syndrome, toe walking, genetic anomalies or syndromes and developmental delays. Our therapists are also experts in rehabilitation from injuries such as fractures, sporting injuries, or post surgical rehabilitation.
Will I need a referral from my child’s pediatrician to start physical therapy?
Yes, we do require a referral from your child’s pediatrician or doctor to start with our services. We work with your child’s healthcare team to ensure they receive the best care for their unique needs. We also routinely update your child’s doctor about their progress throughout treatment.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept all insurance to make it easy for your child to access the care they deserve. We also work within your plan to help maximize your child’s benefits so they can get the most out of their physical therapy sessions.
How Does Physical Therapy Improve Gross Motor Skills in Children?
Physical therapy improves the gross motor skills that power crawling, walking, running, and jumping by strengthening muscles, enhancing balance, and teaching better movement patterns. Therapists at Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy use playful, goal-driven activities to help children develop these important abilities. Improved gross motor skills support confidence, fitness, independence, and participation in school, play and community activities.
Our team creates customized programs that address each child’s unique developmental stage and needs. In addition to these FAQs, you can find insight on the signs that your child may benefit from physical therapy and how to schedule an evaluation here.
What Techniques Are Used to Enhance Strength and Coordination in Children?
At Kaleidoscope, sessions are thoughtfully designed to be both fun and functional. Children are guided through playful exercises that help them stay engaged and motivated while working toward their therapy goals. Our clinic emphasizes family involvement and open communication to maximize results. Common physical therapy techniques include:
Core strengthening exercises:
- “Animal walks” like bear crawls or crab walks
- Full body holds (a.k.a. “plank holds” or “modified plank on knees”)
Balance and stability activities:
- Standing on one foot while playing catch
- Walking across a balance beam or taped line
Gait training and walking practice:
- Practicing stepping over obstacles like cones or foam blocks
- Using parallel bars or a push toy to encourage proper walking patterns
- Walking up and down ramps or stairs with support
Stretching and flexibility work:
- Reaching for toes while sitting on the floor (hamstring stretch)
- Butterfly stretch for hips (sitting with soles of feet together)
- Gentle side bends while standing to stretch the trunk
Neuromuscular re-education exercises (to help the brain and body work together):
- Mirror walking (having the child copy another’s movements) to improve body awareness
- Practicing hand-eye coordination games like balloon tapping
- Obstacle courses combining crawling, climbing, and jumping to retrain movement patterns
Read about more of our methods in all areas of physical therapy here.
Can Physical Therapy Help Children with Neurological or Genetic Conditions?
Yes! Physical therapy can be a crucial part of treatment for children with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome. Therapy helps improve mobility, build strength, maintain joint flexibility, and promote greater independence in daily life. Kaleidoscope creates personalized treatment based on each child’s abilities and growth potential. Adjustments are made as needed along the way, as those abilities improve or become more challenging.
What Is the Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Cerebral Palsy?
Therapy helps children with cerebral palsy move more easily, manage tight or stiff muscles and reduce the risk of future joint problems. The overall goal is to support comfort, and participation in everyday activities like walking, playing, and self-care.
For children with cerebral palsy, physical therapy plays a critical role in:
- Improving muscle tone and posture
- Reducing muscle stiffness or tightness (spasticity)
- Enhancing balance and walking ability
- Increasing independence in daily activities
Kaleidoscope therapists use evidence-based strategies, including strength training, mobility exercises and stretching routines, to address each child’s specific challenges. Early and consistent therapy helps children develop greater functional abilities and live more independently.
How Do You Track a Child’s Progress During Physical Therapy?
Therapists track progress through:
- Regular strength and mobility assessments
- Functional movement observations
- Parent and caregiver feedback
- Goal achievement check-ins
Kaleidoscope therapy plans are continuously adjusted based on each child’s evolving needs and achievements.
What Should My Child Wear to Physical Therapy Sessions?
Children should wear:
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Sneakers or closed-toe athletic shoes
- Layers, if temperature changes are expected
We recommend clothing that allows freedom of movement and flexibility for different activities.
Can Physical Therapy Help Prevent Long-Term Disabilities?
Starting physical therapy early can make a big difference by helping kids develop healthy movement patterns and build a strong physical foundation. Therapy helps prevent future challenges by:
- Encouraging proper movement patterns to avoid stress on muscles and joints
- Building strength and balance to support safe, confident movement
- Preventing joint stiffness and tight muscles that could limit flexibility
- Promoting independent movement skills to boost daily function and confidence
Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy focuses on proactive care that supports children’s growth, development, and long-term quality of life.
Reach Out Today to Get Started with Physical Therapy
Are you ready to give your child the support they need to flourish? We’d love to work with you! Give us a call at (208) 375-4200 or fill out the contact form below to schedule your child’s evaluation today. Together, we can help your child achieve their movement skills for a lifetime of play and exploration.