PT @ P4K

What is School Based Physical Therapy?

School based Physical Therapy is a related service identified by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that addresses FUNCTIONAL SKILLS needed for a student to access and participate in the educational environment such as:

• Walking
• Assistive devices (Wheelchair and Orthoses)
• Stair Climbing
• Balance
• Coordination
• Self Care Skills
• Large Motor Skills
• Positioning

Difference between Medical vs School Based Physical Therapy

School Based Physical Therapy is recommended when a student needs help in accessing or to function in an educational environment. PT providers only work on skills necessary for a student to function at school.

Medically Based Physical Therapy is usually recommended by a doctor and is provided in a clinic, hospital or home. Intervention focuses on a child's medical needs.

How Services are Determined?

Physical Therapy evaluation focuses on identifying functional limitations that hinders the students ability to fully participate and perform school-related activities. Listed below are several, but not all, examples of what a student may have difficulty with;

• negotiating the school - stair climbing, walking with leg braces, opening/closing doors, wheelchair skills and moving around hallways and lunchrooms.
• classroom tasks - dons/doff coat and bookbag, removes items from shelves, hangs coat/backpack on a hook or cubby, sit at a desk with upright posture to complete functional tasks during a class period, transitions from sitting on the floor to standing vise versa.
• playground/recess - access playground equipment, participate in recreational games with peers
• mealtime - carry food tray while walking without spilling contents, sit on a bench with appropriate posture, transfers from wheelchair to bench

It is only when PARTICIPATION RESTRICTIONS are identified that the therapist TOGETHER with the IEP team, determines if PT services are needed.

Once services are determined.

School based physical therapists will recommend the appropriate mandate or the frequency of sessions the student needs. Services may be provided in: the classroom, a therapy room, playground, lunchroom in a group or individual. Services could also be provided in a direct session - hands on; does not occur during actual school activity; integrated session - hands on; but occurs during school/class activity with peers and consultative session - collaboration with classroom/school staff and parent/guardian to develop and monitor intervention that will be carried out by these individuals in school and at home.

What to expect during a Physical Therapy Session Listed below are some examples of what may occur during a physical therapy session.

• Strengthening exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Instruction and practice of functional skills such as stair climbing, carrying books, open/close doors, etc.
• Walking activities in the classroom, hallways, lunchrooms, etc.
• Assessment/modification of adaptive equipment such as desks, chairs, positioning equipment, etc.
• Activities to improve large motor skills necessary to participate in all areas of the educational setting
• Improve balance and coordination
• Collaborate with the IEP team to ensure carry over of skills in all areas of the school environment.

Changes or graduation from PT services

School based PT providers regularly monitor and assess student progress throughout the school year to determine if a student continues to need services.