Why Choose Us for Therapy Services?

Highly Trained Staff

Therapists at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital are all specifically trained in pediatric therapy and the hospital's "K.I.D.S. First" philosophy--which stands for kindness, initiative, dedication, and sensitivity. This level of expertise gives our therapists the skills they need to provide excellent care directly to children, in an age-appropriate, kid-friendly way. In addition to advanced clinical skills, our therapists also receive ongoing, pediatric-specific training and coaching from other experienced therapists. Every year, we attend continuing education courses throughout the United States in order to enhance our clinical skills with children. Several of our therapists also have additional certifications in pediatric physical therapy.

Assessments of Functional Movement in Fragile Infants

Since 1996, our physical therapists have been involved in a research study looking at the motor development of premature infants using a specialized infant motor performance test. This tool is used to identify developmental delays in infants between 34 weeks gestational age (40 weeks is the age of infants born on their due date) to 4 months old. The results of this test can help either reassure parents their infant is showing typical motor development or can be used to support further treatment.

Therapy in the Intensive Care Units

When your child is in the pediatric intensive care units (PICU) or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it can be frustrating for parents to feel so helpless when their child needs so much care. Here, our therapists provide suggestions to families about appropriate levels of sensory stimulation and exercises to prevent muscles stiffness or enhance muscle strength. We also provide children with positioning devices for their hands and feet to prevent loss of function. When necessary, we will collaborate with nurses on methods to position your infant or child to enhance his or her recovery. As your child recovers from his or her illness, we gradually work on activities to help your child return to their previous functional level.

Family-Centered Care

We take an individualized, family-centered approach to care. Our goals are based on the goals of your child and family. We know the importance of family and encourage families to take an active role in the care of their children. Each plan we create is unique to the child and family. Our therapists will collaborate with your family to develop realistic goals that address your needs--whether it is teaching your child to walk, drink from a cup, or recover from an accident or injury.

Unique Pulmonary Program

An interdisciplinary group of physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and speech therapists have gone through an intensive nine-month pediatric pulmonary care program. This team was trained by a physical therapist recognized as an expert in pediatric pulmonary care. Through this extensive training, our experts are better able to care for children with pulmonary disorders by creating an overall plan to meet their needs.

An interdisciplinary group of physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and speech therapists have gone through an intensive nine-month pediatric pulmonary care program. They were trained by a physical therapist recognized as an expert in pediatric pulmonary care. Through this extensive training, our experts are better able to care for children with pulmonary disorders because their goals are unified and every discipline has an enhanced awareness of the intervention being provided. When this occurs, the pulmonary plan of care is carried over between disciplines.

Community Outreach

The physical therapists at our 47th Street clinic in Hyde Park offer individual assessments for adolescents and provide sport-specific training to evaluate them to return to sports. We also work with local high school trainers and coaches to coordinate our care with their goals during practice and return to sport. In addition, we offer educational talks to local grade schools on backpack safety, health and fitness, and child development.