Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation helps when children have complex care needs and problems with function. We care for children with conditions that affect motor skills. These issues may be physical disabilities present at birth or develop at the result of an injury. These challenges can sometimes lead to complications, like language or social difficulties. When they do, we’re here to help with those too.

Our pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists see children with the following conditions, among many others:

• Cerebral palsy

• Developmental disorders

• Genetic disorders

• Multiple sclerosis

• Muscle weakness caused by pediatric cancer treatment

• Spinal cord injury

• Traumatic brain injury/concussion

Depending on your child’s needs, pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation services may include:

• Medication

• Physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy

• Assistive devices

Through Ochsner’s program, you have access to proven therapies for a variety of conditions. 

Currently, we’re one of the only locations in the South to offer exon-skipping medication, a cutting-edge therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Given through an IV once a week, exon-skipping therapy safely reduces the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

To meet your child’s needs, Ochsner takes a multidisciplinary, family-centered approach. Some pediatric specialists who may help your child during pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation at Ochsner include:

• Advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants)

• Developmental pediatricians

• Dietitians

• Geneticists and genetic counselors

• Home health professionals

• Neurologists

• Neuropsychologists

• Neurosurgeons

• Occupational therapists

• Oncologists

• Orthopedic surgeons

• Orthotic and durable medical equipment experts

• Pediatric physiatrists

• Physical therapists

• Social workers

• Speech therapists

Ochsner’s pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation provides support to your child in the community.

1. We work with the education system to ensure children’s needs are met. Our team members regularly visit local school systems to educate teachers and school administrators through group presentations and one-on-one conversations. We also write out instructions and directives for your child’s individualized education program (IEP). This helps teachers understand how to guide your child toward classroom success.

2. We connect you to clinical trials. We help you determine whether your child will benefit from a clinical trial and guide you through the process.

Some medical visits can take place online. Our pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation team takes advantage of this any time it is appropriate.

Through a secure online connection, follow-up visits occur in the comfort of your home. All you need is an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. With virtual visits, your Ochsner team comes to you, making life easier for the patient and their family.

Ask your team members to learn if your next appointment can be a virtual visit.

Ochsner works with families to offer financial assistance for pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation when possible.

Our financial professionals can answer insurance questions and find programs, such as waivers, to cover the cost of any medical equipment or treatments that insurance does not cover. We can also help file paperwork to waive tax liabilities for home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps.