Services

Consultation & HEP

To any family looking at their options, consultation services provides families with an insight of what physical therapy can offer their family. Families are educated on the basics including:

• What physical therapy entails

• The difference between typical PTs versus pediatric PTs

• Significance of in-home vs clinic appointments

• Insurance and payment options 

The therapist also discusses the family's concerns and performs a general observation of the child​. The family is provided with options to consider if physical therapy will be beneficial for the child or if the child may need to see another specialist. The family should feel confident leaving a consultation with all questions addressed and answered. If physical therapy is warranted, an evaluation will be scheduled. If you and the therapist are confident that you are able to care for your child's needs with an exercise plan, one will be developed at that time. Any needed referrals will be made after the consultation and/or evaluation.

Early Intervention Therapy

EI Therapy is provided by the state of SC for children from birth up until the 3rd birthday who are referred for services through South Carolina's Early Intervention program, BabyNet. These children are at risk for developmental delay and are given a jump start to development. Families are incorporated fully into the evaluation and treatment. These children are evaluated using standardized tests and measures (most common are Peabody Developmental Motor Scales and Alberta Infant Motor Scale) to compare their current abilities to children of the same age. Families are educated on how to best help the child learn and grow inside the home and community. Therapy is performed in the home, optimally. Sometimes, daycare and playground settings are used to facilitate growth and learning in everyday places. Families are provided with weekly activities to perform with the child. There is no cost to the family for these services. Families may contact SC BabyNet directly or ask their child's doctor for a referral them to SC BabyNet.

Pediatric Physical Therapy

At First Hand PT, we provide one-on-one physical therapy services to children ages 3-16 who present with any level of functional impairment or participation restriction. Common ailments range from ongoing developmental delay, neurological disorders (CP, Down Syndrome, or other brain injuries affecting physical abilities), muscle disorders (joint sprains, muscle spasm), foot deformities, poor posture, and symptoms stemming from previous medical conditions. If your child has some sort of pain or movement issue that limits his or her ability to perform daily tasks, physical therapy may be able to help. Your child will receive a full evaluation to determine their abilities and limitations.  Together, a plan is developed that best suits your child including therapy options regarding frequency and duration of treatment.  Different techniques will be used throughout their treatment including play therapy, NDT, KT taping, and manual therapy. 

Adaptive Equipment Evaluations

Physical therapists are the best resource for assessing your child for adaptive equipment. Most insurers require an evaluation and letter from a medical professional in order to fund equipment (specialty bed, walker/gait trainer, standing frame, wheelchair, stroller, etc.). A therapist will meet with you and your child to discuss your concerns and needs and to complete a formal evaluation. After 3-4 PT sessions, the PT will have enough information on your child to begin the equipment order. The therapist will contact a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider, such as NuMotion and Pediatric Mobility Innovations, who are able to complete the order with your insurer. The DME company will check body measurements and feature needs while also checking for any other device needs you may have. They will then submit all documents to your child's PCP for signatures before sending the order to your insurer. The entire process takes several months (including possible denials and appeals) before the equipment is actually delivered to your door.