Pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), sometimes known as physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goals of the pediatric physiatrist are to maximize patients’ independence in activities of daily living and improve their quality of life. Cooper pediatric PM&R physiatrists work with children and teens to build strength, gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance, and endurance to help them achieve their full potential.
The PM&R program at Cooper begins with determining the specific problems, deficits, and needs a patient has as well as their current abilities and skills. This assessment involves a physical examination and, if needed, evaluation by specialists in physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy, as well as other specialists. With this multidisciplinary approach, Cooper’s PM&R specialists work together and with the patient and their family to define the rehabilitation goals and develop a therapeutic treatment plan.
In addition to rehabilitation medicine, Cooper’s specialists also focus on what is called “habilitation,” which focuses on helping patients develop skills and milestones that have not yet accomplished, rather than just helping them regain previous skills.
Patients Who Should Be Seen by Pediatric PM&R or Rehabilitation Services
At Cooper, our team works with patients who have a diverse range of issues, both acquired and congenital. Common diagnoses that PM&R doctors often help with include but are not limited to the following:
- Cerebral palsy
- Concussion
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injury
- Hemiplegia/monoplegia/quadriplegia
- Tone and spasticity management, including Botox (botulinum) injections
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spina bifida
- Burns
- Muscular dystrophy/neuromuscular disorders
- Torticollis
- Orthotic/bracing needs
- Limb deficiency and amputation
- Stroke
- Neuromuscular disorders
Treatment of Pediatric PM&R Patients
Often the treatment goals for these patients include increasing mobility and the ability to take part in activities of daily living. The PM&R specialists will incorporate treatments such as occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech therapy and coordinate care with pediatricians and other specialists. At Cooper, our team will work to prescribe exercises, bracing, equipment, or therapies along with traditional medical interventions to help optimize function for our patients. We share your goal of increasing your child’s independence, and we want to help your child to function to the best of their abilities.
Initial PM&R appointments are conveniently available at Cooper’s location in Camden. During an initial visit, patients and their families can expect to discuss:
- The goals for the visit and rehabilitation program
- The patient’s medical history, including allergies, past surgeries, and immunizations
- The medical history of the patient’s family
- The patient’s social and developmental history
- Any symptoms the patient is experiencing
The physician will then conduct a thorough physical exam, focusing on neurological systems, musculoskeletal systems, and the patient’s functional abilities. The PM&R physiatrist will use the results of this initial visit to develop a treatment plan or, if needed, refer a patient to another specialist.
Services Offered
- Outpatient and inpatient services for patients include:
- Physical therapy
- Speech-language therapy
- Pediatric occupational therapy
- Vision therapy
- School, athletic and community reintegration support
School Re-entry
After a new trauma, a significant change in health status, or even after a prolonged hospitalization, the task of returning to school can be difficult and challenging. As a former teacher, Dr. Thomas Drake, a pediatric rehabilitation specialist, is well versed in the steps needed to help our patients to “return-to-learn.”
Integration With the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper
Cooper pediatric PM&R provides consultations and often suggests plans for patients who are admitted to Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper due to injury or illness. As a Level II pediatric trauma provider, the highest designation possible, our team is skilled at providing care for severely injured patients. This includes not only the lifesaving management of severely injured or acutely ill children, but also their recovery and progress toward community reintegration. This is an essential role of the therapeutic rehabilitation team here at Cooper.