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Physical therapist at CHKD helping a patient to walk

Physical Therapy

Our specially-trained physical therapists work closely with each patient family to create an individualized plan to meet their unique needs in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Patient and parent using tablet to access myCHKD.

MyCHKD Patient Portal

MyCHKD offers secure, online access to your child's health information as well as tools to help you communicate more efficiently with your CHKD provider's office. If you haven't done so already, please register for a MyCHKD account in person at your provider's office.

Helping Children Reach their Fullest Potential

We provide inpatient and outpatient physical therapy services with a focus on family-centered care. Our physical therapy team utilizes advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment to help children recover and regain their functional mobility.

We help patients who need physical therapy for a variety of reasons – from children with medical conditions and developmental disorders to those who have been injured. Our physical therapists design treatment plans specifically tailored to each patient’s needs.

CHKD offers outpatient physical therapy services at 7 locations throughout Hampton Roads. Families can schedule appointments close to their home. We also offer an aquatics program in Chesapeake, Newport News, and Virginia Beach.

Using a play-based philosophy, we help patients achieve their goals in a fun atmosphere.

Our physical therapy specialties include:

  • Manual therapy
  • Therapeutic taping
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Aquatic therapy
  • Airway clearance
  • Locomotor training
  • Pelvic floor therapy
  • Serial casting
  • Neurodevelopmental treatment
  • Splinting
  • Hypermobility disorders
  • Interactive metronome
  • Car seat technicians

Our Physical Therapists

Our physical therapists are licensed by the Virginia State Board of Medicine. They work with patients to achieve optimal function in one or more of the following areas:

  • Gross motor development
  • Balance and coordination
  • Gait training
  • Strength, endurance and exercise training
  • Lower extremity and trunk range-of-motion activities
  • Functional independence, including bed mobility, transfers and wheelchair mobility
  • Weight management
  • Burn care and follow-up treatment
  • Evaluation for equipment to increase independence and enhance performance
  • Family and patient instruction and education
  • Coordination of care, including discharge needs
Chat bubbles in dark and light blue with the letters FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

PT/OT/ST

How do I schedule an appointment? How do I know what's covered by my insurance plan? Do I have to use the same office for all of my appointments? Answers to these and other frequently asked questions about physical, occupational, and speech therapies at CHKD.

Foot Drop Therapy

Taking a simple step can be frustrating for a child with foot drop. 

In the past, using a stiff brace to hold the foot up was the only answer. Find out how a much smaller electrical device worn on the leg is helping children with foot drop walk more naturally and confidently, getting them back to what matters most - being a kid.

Caregivers: For an evaluation to determine if your child is an appropriate candidate for the device, or for referral information, please contact the physical medicine and rehabilitation office at (757) 668-9915.

Providers: Fax referrals to (757) 668-7389.