Queens Location:
87-09 Justice Avenue
Elmhurst, NY 11373
718.699.5070
Long Island Location:
2 Hope Drive
Plainview, NY 11803
516.822.2118
Pediatric Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy at Stellar supports children in developing strength, coordination, balance, and movement skills needed for everyday activities such as crawling, walking, running, and playing. Our therapists begin with a comprehensive, child-friendly evaluation to understand each child’s physical abilities, developmental stage, and functional goals.
Treatment plans are individualized and designed to be engaging, motivating, and age-appropriate. Through play-based activities and guided movement, we help children improve motor control, endurance, posture, and mobility while building confidence in their bodies.
Education is a key part of our approach. We work closely with families to provide strategies, exercises, and guidance that support continued progress at home, school, and in the community—so gains made in therapy translate into long-term functional success.
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Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children participate successfully in daily activities such as dressing, feeding, handwriting, school tasks, play, and social interaction. At Stellar, we address fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, coordination, and functional independence through individualized, child-centered care.
Our occupational therapists create supportive and engaging treatment sessions tailored to each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Therapy may include sensory-based activities, functional skill development, and adaptive strategies to help children navigate their environments with greater confidence and ease.
Family education and collaboration are central to our philosophy. We partner with parents, caregivers, and educators to ensure strategies learned in therapy carry over into everyday routines, promoting independence, emotional regulation, and long-term success.
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Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT)
Pediatric physical therapy supports children in developing the strength, coordination, and movement skills needed to participate fully in daily activities.
Key Benefits:
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Improves gross motor development (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping)
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Enhances balance, coordination, and postural control
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Supports children with developmental delays, neurological conditions, orthopedic injuries, and genetic disorders
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Promotes safe movement patterns and injury prevention
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Increases confidence and participation in play, sports, and school activities
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Encourages long-term physical independence and mobility
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Reduces pain and compensatory movement patterns through guided, age-appropriate exercises
Family education is a core component, empowering caregivers to support progress at home and in the community.
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Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT)
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills needed for meaningful participation in daily life, including self-care, school tasks, and play.
Key Benefits:
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Improves fine motor skills (grasping, handwriting, cutting, buttoning)
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Enhances sensory processing and regulation
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Supports self-care skills such as dressing, feeding, and hygiene
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Builds attention, emotional regulation, and coping strategies
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Improves visual-motor integration and bilateral coordination
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Supports children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and developmental delays
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Encourages independence, confidence, and successful participation at home and school
OT focuses on helping children adapt to their environments while building functional skills that promote long-term success.
Benefits of a Combined PT & OT Approach
When physical and occupational therapy are provided together, children benefit from a comprehensive, whole-child approach.
Combined Benefits Include:
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Improved motor planning and body awareness
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Better carryover of skills across environments (home, school, community)
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Enhanced participation in play, learning, and social interaction
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Coordinated goal-setting that supports both movement and daily function
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Stronger family involvement and education
This collaborative approach ensures therapy addresses both physical abilities and functional participation.
Evidence-Based References:
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-children
https://www.aota.org/practice/children-youth
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly​
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/earlyintervention
