Leaps and Bounds PT

Understanding Container Baby Syndrome

3/1/2026

Container Baby Syndrome is a term pediatric therapists use to describe motor delays and physical changes in infants who spend too much time in restrictive baby devices, or "containers." Car seats, strollers, bouncers, these tools exist for good reason. But when babies spend the majority of their waking hours in them, the movement they need for healthy development gets crowded out.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has long emphasized that babies learn through active movement and exploration. Restrict that movement long enough, and it shows up in their development.

Understanding Container Baby Syndrome
Container Baby Syndrome is a term pediatric therapists use to describe motor delays and physical changes in infants who spend too much time in restrictive baby devices, or "containers." Car seats, strollers, bouncers, these tools exist for good reason. But when babies spend the majority of their waking hours in them, the movement they need for healthy development gets crowded out.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has long emphasized that babies learn through active movement and exploration. Restrict that movement long enough, and it shows up in their development.

What Is Container Baby Syndrome?
CBS isn't an official medical diagnosis. It's a pattern pediatric therapists recognize a cluster of signs that often go hand-in-hand:

Delayed gross motor milestones
Flat spots on the head (positional plagiocephaly)
Torticollis (a persistent head tilt or preference)
Decreased core strength
Strong side preference
Limited motor planning opportunities

Why Free Movement Matters
Every kick, roll, and push-up is doing something. Those movements strengthen anti-gravity muscles and wire the brain for coordinated action. When babies spend long stretches in containers, they lose out on muscle strengthening, sensory input, balance reactions, and motor planning, and in some cases, prolonged positioning can even affect head shape.

Common Containers (And What They Actually Do)

Car seats are non-negotiable for safety in the car. Outside of it, though, extended time in a car seat limits rolling, kicking, and reaching.
Strollers are useful for getting around, but long stretches in a stroller reduce trunk activation and limit the balance reactions that come with floor play.
High chairs are for feeding, that's it. They provide full external support, meaning babies have no opportunity to actively control their posture or transition in and out of sitting on their own.
Jumpers can be fun, but they encourage toe-pushing over weight shifting, and they replace time that could be spent crawling and moving on the floor.
Standers hold babies upright without requiring them to work for it, which limits the balance reactions and active strength-building that come with supported standing done appropriately.
Walkers carry documented safety risks and can promote abnormal gait patterns while reducing the core and hip strength babies would otherwise develop.

What To Do Instead
The floor is the best piece of equipment you own. Prioritize:

Supervised tummy time
Side-lying play
Reaching across the midline
Floor play on a firm surface
Supported sitting only when developmentally ready
Interactive play with caregivers

How Much Container Time Is Too Much?
There's no universal cutoff, but a practical rule of thumb: if your baby spends more awake time in a container than on the floor, it's worth taking a closer look at the daily routine. Pediatric therapists generally recommend keeping non-essential container use under 20–30 minutes at a stretch and making sure floor play is a significant part of every day.
Signs Your Baby May Be Affected
Reach out to your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist if you notice:

A persistent head tilt or preference for looking one direction
A flat spot developing on the head
Delayed rolling, sitting, or crawling
Stiffness or unusually low muscle tone
Difficulty tolerating tummy time

How the Team at Leaps and Bounds PT Can Help
If any of this sounds familiar, you don't have to figure it out alone. Our experienced pediatric physical therapists at Leaps and Bounds PT work with babies and families every day to address exactly these kinds of concerns. We take the time to understand how your baby is moving, where they may be compensating, and what's getting in the way of hitting their milestones. Whether you're seeing early warning signs or just want to make sure your baby is on track, we'd love to be part of their journey!

Gross Motor Milestones Aren’t a Checklist—Here’s How to Read Them

2/1/2026

Milestone charts can make development feel like a race—but gross motor milestones are ranges, not deadlines. Children develop at different speeds based on strength, confidence, body type, and opportunities for movement. A child who walks at 10 months and one who walks at 15 months can both be developing typically.What matters more than when a skill appears is how your child moves.

What to Look For:
Instead of focusing on exact ages, pay attention to:

Steady progress over time
Symmetrical movement
Willingness to explore movement and play

When to Pay Closer Attention:
Some signs may be worth a closer look:

Loss of previously learned skills
Ongoing asymmetry
Fatigue or avoidance during age-appropriate play
Pain or frustration with movement

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Helps:
A pediatric PT evaluation isn’t a sign that something is “wrong.” It’s a way to:

Assess strength, balance, and coordination
Identify subtle challenges early
Support confident, functional movement through play

Milestones are tools—not rules. If your child is moving forward and engaged
in play, that’s a great sign. And if you’re ever unsure, checking in early
can offer clarity and peace of mind.

What Is Tummy Time, Really?

1/1/2026

Tummy time is any time your baby is placed on their stomach while awake and supervised. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), tummy time should begin as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital. While babies should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, they need time on their bellies during the day to develop strength, movement skills, and postural control.

Why Tummy Time Matters
Tummy time isn't just about preventing flat spots, it plays a major role in overall development. Research shows that tummy time supports:
Strength Development
Tummy time strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms, and trunk. These muscles are the building blocks for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Infants who get at least 15 minutes of daily tummy time at 2 months show earlier achievement of specific milestones like lifting their head to 45 and 90 degrees and sitting with a steady head.
Motor Skill Progression
Babies who regularly participate in tummy time tend to reach gross motor milestones earlier. Studies show that infants getting more than 30 minutes of daily tummy time acquire milestones like rolling, crawling, and walking sooner than those with less tummy time. Research found tummy time is positively associated with gross motor development, total development, and the ability to move while prone, supine, crawling, and rolling.
Head Shape Positioning
Spending time off the back of the head helps reduce the risk of positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). Infants who receive tummy time fewer than 3 times daily have more than twice the odds of developing plagiocephaly compared to those who get more frequent tummy time.
Postural Control Coordination
Tummy time encourages weight-bearing through the arms and active head control, both of which are essential for coordinated movement as your baby grows.

How Much Tummy Time Does My Baby Need?
The AAP provides specific, evidence-based recommendations:

Newborns to 7 weeks: Start with short periods beginning soon after hospital discharge, increasing incrementally to at least 15-30 minutes total daily by 7 weeks of age
By 2 months: Aim for 30-44 minutes per day, which is associated with higher developmental scores
By 6 months: Many babies benefit from 60-120 minutes per day, broken up throughout the day, which is associated with significantly higher total development scores

Remember, tummy time adds up over the day. Short, frequent sessions are often more realistic, and just as effective! Research shows that as babies get older, they naturally tolerate longer sessions and their preference for tummy time increases.

"What If My Baby Hates Tummy Time?"
This may be the number one tummy time concern we hear, and it's completely normal. Many babies dislike tummy time at first because it's hard work. That doesn't mean you are doing it wrong or that it isn't helping. Research shows that infant preference for tummy time significantly increases over the first 6 months of life.
Here are a few ways to make tummy time more tolerable (and even enjoyable):

Get down on the floor face-to-face with your baby
Place a rolled towel or small pillow under the chest for extra support
Use mirrors, toys, or books at eye level to encourage lifting the head
Try tummy time on your chest while you recline (chest-to-chest positioning has been shown to reduce crying and increase head elevation)
Keep sessions short and gradually build up over time
Even 30 seconds at a time counts. Consistency matters more than perfection

Common Tummy Time Questions:
"Does tummy time have to be on the floor?"
No! Tummy time on your chest, across your lap, or over a rolled towel all count.
"Can my baby do too much tummy time?"
As long as your baby is awake, supervised, and comfortable, more tummy time is generally beneficial. Studies show dose-response relationships, meaning more tummy time is associated with better developmental outcomes.
"What if my baby just rolls out of it?"
That's actually a good sign. Rolling is a skill that develops because of tummy time. According to AAP developmental milestones, babies typically roll from tummy to back by 6 months.
"When should tummy time get easier?"
Most babies tolerate tummy time better as their strength improves, often around 3-4 months. Expected milestones include:

2 months: Holds head up when on tummy
4 months: Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
6 months: Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy

When Might My Baby Need Extra Support?
While every baby develops at their own pace, consider reaching out to your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist if:

Your baby strongly avoids tummy time despite consistent attempts
Your baby has difficulty lifting or turning their head by 3 months
Your baby shows a strong preference for looking or rolling to one side (asymmetry)
You notice head flattening that does not improve with repositioning
Your baby is unable to hold their head steady without support by 3 months
Your baby cannot push up onto elbows/forearms by 4 months
Your baby cannot sit without support by 8 months

Early guidance can make tummy time more comfortable and effective for everyone.

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help
Our pediatric physical therapists can assess your baby's strength, movement patterns, and symmetry, and provide individualized strategies to support development. Therapy sessions are done on a 1:1 basis and are play-based with a focus on helping your baby move comfortably and confidently.

When Should My Child Start Walking? A Guide to Developmental Milestones

12/1/2025

One of the most exciting moments for parents is watching their child take their first steps. Walking is a major developmental milestone that marks the beginning of a new level of independence for your little one. But when should you expect those first steps, and what if your child is taking a little longer to get there? Join Dr. Brianna as we explore the typical walking timeline, factors that can affect walking development, and when to seek help from a pediatric physical therapist.

Typical Walking Timeline
Every child is unique, but here’s a general guideline of what to expect:

6-10 months: Babies start pulling up to stand and may begin cruising along furniture.
9-12 months: Many babies take their first independent steps.
12-15 months: Most toddlers are walking on their own.
16-18 months: Confident walking and more advanced movement patterns, like climbing stairs, develop.

While these are average timeframes, some children may walk earlier or later without any cause for concern.

Factors That Influence Walking Development
Several factors can influence when a child starts walking, including:

Muscle Strength & Coordination: Some babies develop muscle tone and coordination at different rates.
Temperament: Cautious children may take longer to start walking because they prefer to observe before attempting new skills.
Opportunities for Movement: Babies who have more floor time and opportunities to explore tend to develop mobility skills more quickly.
Premature Birth: Preemies may reach developmental milestones a little later than their full-term peers.

When to Be Concerned
While there is a broad range of normal when it comes to walking, you may want to seek guidance if:

Your child isn’t pulling to stand by 12 months.
Your child isn’t walking independently by 18 months.
Your child walks on their toes consistently or seems unsteady.
Your child prefers one side of the body significantly more than the other.

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help
If your child is experiencing delays in walking, a pediatric physical therapist can assess their strength, coordination, and movement patterns. Therapy sessions may include:

Exercises to improve balance and coordination.
Strengthening activities for the legs and core.
Play-based interventions to encourage stepping and weight-bearing movements.

Encouraging Walking at Home
You can help support your child’s walking development by:

Providing plenty of tummy time early on to build strength.
Encouraging cruising along furniture to build confidence.
Letting your child walk barefoot when safe to improve balance and sensory feedback.
Using push toys instead of walkers to promote proper movement patterns.

Final Thoughts
While every child develops at their own pace, knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident in your child’s progress. If you have concerns about your child’s walking development, a pediatric physical therapist can provide guidance and support. Early intervention can make a big difference in helping your child build strong, confident movement skills.

At our clinic, we specialize in helping little ones achieve their milestones. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to help your child take their next steps, both literally and figuratively!

Understanding In-Toeing

11/1/2025

What Is In-Toeing?
In-toeing, sometimes called “pigeon-toeing,” is when a child’s feet turn inward while standing, walking, or running. It’s a common concern parents notice in toddlers and preschoolers. In-toeing can arise from different areas of the leg or foot, including the hips, shins, or feet. While many children outgrow in-toeing naturally, persistent inward turning can affect balance, coordination, and walking patterns. Pediatric physical therapy can help identify the cause and support proper alignment, strength, and functional movement.

Who Does In-Toeing Affect?
In-toeing is fairly common in young children and can affect both boys and girls equally. It often becomes noticeable when children begin walking independently.
There are three main types:
Metatarsus Adductus: The front of the foot curves inward. Most common in infants and often improves without intervention; Often a positional issue in the womb, leading to a curve in the front of the foot.
Tibial Torsion: A twist in the shinbone (tibia) that causes the feet to point inward. Common in toddlers and usually resolves with growth; Frequently develops in toddlers due to natural growth patterns. Children may sit in the “W” position, which can reinforce inward rotation.
Femoral Anteversion: An inward rotation of the thigh bone (femur). Often seen in preschoolers and may persist longer than other types; Commonly develops as a child grows, usually peaking around age 3–5.

When to Seek Evaluation
Most cases of in-toeing are harmless and improve naturally. However, it’s important to consult a pediatric physical therapist if your child:

Trips or falls frequently,
Has difficulty running, jumping, or playing sports,
Shows inward feet past early childhood,
Experiences pain in the feet, knees, or hips

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help
Pediatric PT can:
● Assess the Cause of In-Toeing Determine whether the inward turning is coming from the
feet, shins, or hips.
● Improve Strength and Alignment Strengthening leg, hip, and core muscles supports
proper walking and running patterns.
● Enhance Balance and Coordination Activities such as hopping, balancing, and obstacle
courses improve motor skills.
● Teach Proper Foot Positioning Exercises encourage the feet to point forward naturally.
● Provide Home Exercise Programs Parents learn fun and safe exercises to reinforce PT
goals at home.

Examples of PT Activities for In-Toeing
● Balance Games: Walking along lines or curbs, standing on one foot, or hopping through
an obstacle course.
● Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches for the hips, legs, and feet.
● Strengthening Activities: Squats, bridges, or resistance-band exercises designed for
children.
● Gait Practice: Encouraging proper foot placement through playful activities like “follow
the leader” or running games.

Why Early Evaluation Matters
Early assessment and intervention help:
● Prevent persistent gait abnormalities
● Improve coordination and confidence
● Avoid discomfort or pain in the feet, knees, or hips
● Support age-appropriate motor skill development

With timely evaluation and guidance from a pediatric physical therapist, many children with
in-toeing achieve improved alignment and movement patterns, often without the need for braces or surgery.

If you have concerns about your child’s walking pattern, please call either of our offices or fill out the contact form on our website. Our team is here to provide a personalized evaluation and help your child move confidently!

Obstacle Course Ideas to Build Strength & Coordination

10/1/2025

Obstacle courses are a fun and effective way to help kids develop strength, coordination, and confidence. By incorporating different challenges, children can improve their balance, agility, and overall physical fitness while engaging in play. Whether at home, in a classroom, or during therapy sessions, obstacle courses can be customized to suit various skill levels and abilities.

Benefits of Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses offer a range of developmental benefits, including:

Improved Gross Motor Skills: Activities like jumping, crawling, and climbing enhance overall body coordination.
Strength Development: Engaging in weight-bearing movements helps build core, upper, and lower body strength.
Balance and Agility: Navigating different obstacles enhances a child’s ability to adjust and react to changing environments.
Sensory Integration: Courses that include different textures, heights, and movement types can help children process sensory input more effectively.

Creative Obstacle Course Ideas
Here are some engaging obstacle course setups that can be adjusted for different age groups and abilities:
Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas

Cushion Climb: Stack pillows or couch cushions to create a mountain for kids to climb over.
Tunnel Crawl: Use a pop-up tunnel or a blanket draped over chairs to encourage crawling.
Balance Beam Walk: Place a strip of tape on the floor and have kids walk heel-to-toe along the line.
Jumping Challenge: Lay out hula hoops or paper circles as “lily pads” to jump between.
Bear Walk Path: Have children walk on all fours through a designated course to build upper body strength.

Outdoor Obstacle Course Ideas

Hopscotch Circuit: Use sidewalk chalk to draw hopscotch patterns with different jumping challenges.
Ladder Agility Run: Lay a rope ladder on the ground for kids to step through quickly.
Hurdle Jumps: Set up small cones or pool noodles to jump over.
Tire Run: Use old tires or hula hoops as stepping stations for quick footwork drills.
Swing and Climb: Incorporate monkey bars, swings, or climbing walls for upper body engagement.

Tips for a Successful Obstacle Course

Ensure Safety: Use soft surfaces and clear the area of hazards.
Encourage Creativity: Let kids help design and adjust obstacles for added engagement.
Make It Inclusive: Adapt activities to accommodate all abilities and skill levels.
Incorporate Timed Challenges: Adding a stopwatch can increase motivation and excitement.
Mix It Up: Change obstacles frequently to keep kids engaged and working different muscle groups.

Conclusion
Obstacle courses are a fantastic way to promote strength, coordination, and active play. Whether indoors or outdoors, structured or freeform, these courses provide a dynamic way for kids to build essential physical skills while having fun. Try setting up an obstacle course today and watch your little ones develop confidence, resilience, and a love for movement!

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Supports Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

9/1/2025

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, moves, interacts socially, and experiences the world. Because it’s a spectrum, every child with ASD presents differently. Some children may struggle with language and social cues, others may show repetitive behaviors or intense sensory sensitivities. Many also face physical challenges that aren’t always immediately obvious—but this is where pediatric physical therapy can make a real difference.

Children with ASD often present with low muscle tone (hypotonia), which can affect their posture, coordination, and overall strength. They may also walk on their toes, have delayed gross motor development, or seem unaware of their surroundings, leading to safety concerns. Physical therapy addresses these concerns head-on through movement-based interventions that build foundational skills for everyday life.

For example, toe walking is a common pattern seen in kids on the spectrum. PTs work to gently improve range of motion and calf flexibility while building strength and motor control to encourage a more typical walking pattern. Similarly, kids with low tone may have trouble with balance, fatigue quickly, or have difficulty sitting upright during school or play. A pediatric PT can implement a program that targets core strength, postural stability, and endurance in fun, engaging ways, often using play-based strategies that feel like games to the child.

Motor planning, knowing how to move the body to complete a task, is another area where kids with ASD may struggle. Things like jumping, skipping, or even getting dressed can be difficult. Physical therapists break down these tasks into manageable steps and help children build the confidence and ability to perform them independently.

Safety is another major concern, many children on the spectrum have reduced body awareness (also called proprioception), which means they might not realize where their body is in space. This can lead to clumsiness, bumping into things, or even bolting without awareness of danger. Through targeted activities, therapists can help children improve spatial awareness and reaction time, making everyday environments like playgrounds, classrooms, and even parking lots safer and more manageable.

Pediatric PT also addresses sensory needs. Some children seek out intense movement to feel grounded, like crashing into furniture or constantly jumping. Others may avoid movement altogether. Physical therapists design sensory-motor activities that help regulate these responses, offering safe and structured ways to meet sensory needs. A child might use swings, obstacle courses, or balance tools to help their nervous system process input more effectively.

Beyond the physical, physical therapy sessions often provide a natural setting to support emerging social skills. Whether it’s taking turns on equipment, following directions in a game, or learning how to navigate group activities, PT can help support interactions in a structured, low-pressure environment.

Every child with autism is different, and physical therapy is never one-size-fits-all. At Leaps and Bounds, by considering each child’s physical limitations, but also sensory preferences, emotional regulation, and communication style, the goal is always the same: to help each child move, explore, and engage with the world more confidently.

A Pain-Free Return to School: Preventing BACKPACK-related Pain & Poor Posture in Kids

8/1/2025

Backpacks are an essential part of a child’s daily routine, but carrying a heavy or improperly worn backpack can lead to pain, poor posture, and long-term musculoskeletal issues. As parents and caregivers, ensuring proper backpack use is key to supporting spinal health and overall well-being.

The Impact of Heavy Backpacks
A backpack that is too heavy or incorrectly worn can cause strain on a child’s neck, shoulders, and back. Over time, this can contribute to:

Poor posture
Muscle fatigue and strain
Increased risk of back and shoulder pain
Spinal misalignment

Choosing the Right Backpack
Selecting an appropriate backpack can significantly reduce strain on a child’s body. Consider the following features:

Size Matters: The backpack should be proportionate to the child’s body, not extending beyond their shoulders or lower back.
Wide, Padded Straps: These help distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on the shoulders.
Multiple Compartments: Spreading out the weight can help balance the load.
Lightweight Material: Avoid adding unnecessary weight with a heavy backpack design.
Waist and Chest Straps: These can help stabilize the backpack and distribute weight more evenly.

Proper Backpack Wearing Tips
Even the best backpack won’t prevent strain if it’s worn incorrectly. Teach children to:

Use Both Straps: Wearing the backpack over one shoulder can cause imbalance and muscle strain.
Adjust Straps Properly: The backpack should sit snugly against the back and not hang below the waist.
Limit Weight: The backpack should not weigh more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight.
Pack Heavier Items Close to the Back: This keeps the load centered and reduces strain.

Encouraging Healthy Habits
To further prevent backpack-related issues, encourage kids to:

Clean Out Their Backpack Weekly: Remove unnecessary items to lighten the load.
Use Lockers When Available: Storing books and supplies instead of carrying everything all day reduces strain.
Engage in Posture-Strengthening Activities: Exercises like core strengthening, stretching, and yoga can help maintain proper posture and back health.

When to Seek Professional Help
If a child complains of persistent back, neck, or shoulder pain, it may be time to consult a pediatric physical therapist. They can assess posture, strength, and mobility to address any underlying concerns and provide personalized strategies to prevent discomfort.

Backpack safety plays a crucial role in preventing pain and poor posture
in school-age kids. By choosing the right backpack, wearing it properly,
and encouraging healthy habits, parents and caregivers can support
their child's physical well-being and academic success. If pain
persists, seeking professional guidance can make a world of
difference in keeping kids active and pain-free.

Pediatric PT for Toe Walking: Treatment and Strategies

7/1/2025

At Leaps and Bounds Pediatric Physical Therapy, we often work with families who are concerned about their child’s walking pattern—particularly when a child walks on their toes instead of using a typical heel-to-toe gait. Toe walking is common in toddlers who are just learning to walk. Between the ages of 10 to 18 months, it's not unusual for children to walk on the balls of their feet as they explore their mobility. Most children naturally grow out of this phase by around age two-three. However, if your child continues to toe walk beyond that age, it could be a sign that further evaluation and support are needed. In this blog,
Dr. Bassem will help us to understand toe walking and how PT can help!

What Causes Toe Walking?
There are a variety of reasons why a child might toe walk. In some cases, it’s idiopathic, meaning there’s no clear underlying cause. About 5% of otherwise healthy children fall into this category and often grow out of it over time.
Other times, toe walking may be related to neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or sensory processing disorders, including autism. Physical limitations such as a tight Achilles tendon or shortened calf muscles can also prevent the heel from touching the ground. Some children simply develop a habit of toe walking, especially if they have muscle tightness or favor that gait pattern. In a few cases, a family history of toe walking suggests there may even be a genetic component. At Leaps and Bounds PT, we take a compassionate, child-centered approach to treating toe walking. We believe in working closely with families to create a therapy plan that fits your child’s needs while keeping therapy engaging and enjoyable.
Our pediatric physical therapists are experienced in identifying the root causes of abnormal gait and using evidence-based strategies to help your child develop a more functional and comfortable way of walking. Here’s how we help: For children with sensory processing challenges, we incorporate a sensory diet into their therapy. Using tools like vibration board or sensory stepping stones, we provide targeted input to the bottoms of the feet to help children feel more grounded and take more confident steps.

Hands-On Therapy
We use soft tissue mobilization techniques on the feet, ankles, and calves to reduce tightness, improve circulation, and enhance sensory feedback. This helps relax overactive muscles and prepares the body for more effective movement. Stretching and Strengthening Our therapists lead children through gentle stretching routines to improve flexibility, particularly in the calves and Achilles tendon. We also focus on strengthening exercises to support better posture and walking patterns.

Functional, Play-Based Exercises
What sets Leaps and Bounds apart is our ability to make therapy fun and meaningful. We incorporate activities such as:
● Seated scooter boards
● Obstacle courses with textured surfaces and movement challenges
● Animal walks like bear crawls or crab walks
● Backward walking and heel walking
● Climbing stairs, pulling/pushing weighted objects, and balance games
These exercises are not only enjoyable but also essential for improving coordination, balance, and overall motor skills.

When More Support Is Needed
While many children benefit from conservative physical therapy, some may need additional support. At Leaps and Bounds PT, we collaborate with families and medical providers to determine the best course of action. This may include:
● Bracing with ankle-foot orthotics to help stretch the calves and promote heel contact.
● In rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered.

Why Early PT Matters
Toe walking can affect more than just how your child moves—it can impact their balance, coordination, muscle development, and even confidence. At Leaps and Bounds PT, we believe that early evaluation with a PT can make a lasting difference. Our goal is to help your child move with ease, confidence, and joy. Whether your child is just starting to toe walk or has been doing so for a while, we’re here to help guide you through every step of the journey with expert care and a personalized approach.

Tommy John Surgery in Young Athletes: What Parents Need to Know

6/1/2025

At our pediatric physical therapy office, we often work with young
athletes recovering from injuries. One of the most talked-about
surgeries in youth baseball is Tommy John surgery, a procedure
to repair the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. While this
surgery can be successful, the best approach is injury prevention--
starting with Dr. Brianna's proper pitch count guidelines for kids.

What is Tommy John Surgery?
Tommy John surgery, named after the MLB pitcher who first underwent the procedure, is a reconstructive surgery that replaces a damaged UCL with a tendon from another part of the body. This injury is most common in baseball pitchers due to the repetitive stress placed on the elbow during overhand throwing.

Why Are Kids Getting Tommy John Surgery?
The increasing frequency of Tommy John surgery among young athletes is concerning. Overuse, improper throwing mechanics, and lack of adequate rest are major contributors. Specializing too early and playing year-round baseball without breaks can significantly increase the risk of UCL injuries.

Pitch Count Guidelines for Injury Prevention
One of the most effective ways to prevent UCL injuries is to follow established pitch count recommendations. The guidelines from organizations like Little League Baseball and USA Baseball help ensure that young pitchers do not overwork their developing arms. Here are some general recommendations:
·Ages 7-8: 50 pitches per game, 75 per week, and at least two days of rest after 20+ pitches.
·Ages 9-10: 75 pitches per game, 100 per week, and at least two days of rest after 20+ pitches.
·Ages 11-12: 85 pitches per game, 100 per week, and at least three days of rest after 35+ pitches.
·Ages 13-16: 95 pitches per game, 125 per week, and at least three to four days of rest after 40+ pitches.

Additionally, young pitchers should avoid throwing breaking balls (like curveballs and sliders) until their arm is more developed, typically around age 14-16.

Strength and Conditioning for Injury Prevention
Physical therapy and targeted strength training can help reduce injury risk. Exercises that focus on shoulder stability, core strength, and proper throwing mechanics are key components of injury prevention. Stretching and recovery routines are equally important in keeping young athletes healthy.

While Tommy John surgery can help athletes return to the game, prevention is always the best strategy. Parents and coaches should monitor pitch counts, ensure proper rest, and encourage young players to participate in multiple sports to avoid overuse injuries. If your child is experiencing elbow pain or discomfort, early intervention with a pediatric physical therapist can make all the difference.

At our clinic, we specialize in helping young athletes stay strong, recover effectively, and prevent injuries. Contact us today to learn more about injury prevention programs for your child!

<<Previous

Understanding Container Baby Syndrome

Gross Motor Milestones Aren’t a Checklist—Here’s How to Read Them

Milestones are tools—not rules. If your child is moving forward and engaged
in play, that’s a great sign. And if you’re ever unsure, checking in early
can offer clarity and peace of mind.

What Is Tummy Time, Really?

When Should My Child Start Walking? A Guide to Developmental Milestones

Understanding In-Toeing

Obstacle Course Ideas to Build Strength & Coordination

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Supports Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A Pain-Free Return to School: Preventing BACKPACK-related Pain & Poor Posture in Kids

Backpacks are an essential part of a child’s daily routine, but carrying a heavy or improperly worn backpack can lead to pain, poor posture, and long-term musculoskeletal issues. As parents and caregivers, ensuring proper backpack use is key to supporting spinal health and overall well-being.

Pediatric PT for Toe Walking: Treatment and Strategies

Tommy John Surgery in Young Athletes: What Parents Need to Know

Welcome

Archives

Categories

LOCATIONS

Milestones are tools—not rules. If your child is moving forward and engaged in play, that’s a great sign. And if you’re ever unsure, checking in early ​can offer clarity and peace of mind.

Backpacks are an essential part of a child’s daily routine, but carrying a heavy or improperly worn backpack can lead to pain, poor posture, and long-term musculoskeletal issues. As parents and caregivers, ensuring proper backpack use is key to supporting spinal health and overall well-being.

Welcome

Archives

Categories

​LOCATIONS

Milestones are tools—not rules. If your child is moving forward and engaged
in play, that’s a great sign. And if you’re ever unsure, checking in early
can offer clarity and peace of mind.

LOCATIONS