Kids & Babies
A pediatric physical therapist helps babies, children and teens move, grow and get stronger. For babies, that often means treating a tight neck (torticollis), helping with a flat spot, and helping with milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling and walking. For older kids and teens, it often means recovering from sports injuries and getting back to play.
Babies can't tell you what's wrong, and kids learn best when they're having fun. So pediatric PT is play-based. The therapist uses toys, games and positions to get your child working on the skills they need.
Parents are a big part of it. You are in the visit, you learn what to practice, and the home program fits into daily routines like diaper changes, feeding and playtime. A pediatric PT also looks at how your child is growing and developing, and keeps your pediatrician updated.
Talk with your pediatrician if your child:
At ARI, most of our pediatric patients are babies with torticollis or gross motor delays, plus kids and teens with sports injuries. Visits are one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, parents are involved, every family gets a home program, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician.
At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.
Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →
Ready to feel better?
Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.
Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026