Evaluation and treatment for infants and children, especially from birth to 10 years of age. 

Marilyn Nishi-Gormely, PT, has specialized in treating infants and children for over 30 years.  She was an Easter Seal Physical therapist in Chicago, Illinois.  She treated disabled children for 3 years in Japan, and provided the California Children Service physical therapy for over 10 years in Sonora, CA.  

At Sierra Physical Therapy, our pediatric specialties include:

Torticollis:   Sometime the infant exhibits a head position which is maintained  in a position which is tipped and turned to one side constantly.  This is because one of the neck muscles, the Sterno-cleido-mastoideus became shortened in utero, probably due the position of the baby.  In order to correct this condition, the parents are taught how to hold and position the baby in order to correct the head and neck position and to lengthen the tight muscle. 

Delayed Motor Development:  Infants are sometimes delayed in their rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking abilities.  Often, physical therapy can determine weaknesses or other limitations which cause this delay. The therapist will stimulate and promote normal development. 

Low Muscle tone:  Low muscle tone, or hypotonia, can cause delayed development and  the infant/child can benefit from physical therapy techniques and developmental training in order to improve their condition and improve the ability to sit, stand, crawl, and/or walk. 

Cerebral Palsy:  An injury or lack of oxygen to the brain at birth can cause cerebral palsy.  This condition varies greatly, depending on the severity and type of injury.  The arms or legs can be affected, or there may be difficulty talking, etc.  An infant with cerebral palsy should start physical therapy as early as possible, because the neurological system is still developing and can be improved by developmental therapy, positioning and training.  The parents will learn correct handling and positioning which will improve the infant and decrease stiffness and promote normal movements.