Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you have a specific concern about your child’s development or simply want reassurance that things are progressing as expected, it is never too early to ask questions. Below are answers to some of the questions families frequently ask about pediatric physical therapy and Baby Wellness services at Motor Skills Matter.
Child Development & Movement
What ages do you work with?
I work with children from infancy through adolescence. While I have extensive expertise in infant development and early motor skills, I also work with older children experiencing concerns related to posture, strength, balance, coordination, gait, and return to activity following injury.
My approach evolves with each stage of development—from building strong foundations in infancy to helping older children move with greater strength, confidence, and efficiency.
Does my baby need to have a diagnosis to see a pediatric physical therapist?
No. You do not need to wait for a diagnosis or a significant delay to ask questions about your baby’s movement.
Families often reach out because they notice a head-turning preference, difficulty with tummy time, asymmetry, delayed milestones, unusual movement patterns, or simply have questions about what they are seeing.
Sometimes an evaluation identifies an area that would benefit from intervention. Other times, parents leave reassured and with a few practical strategies to support their baby’s development.
When should I consider a pediatric physical therapy evaluation?
An evaluation may be helpful if you have concerns about your child’s movement, posture, strength, balance, coordination, symmetry, or motor development.
For babies and younger children, concerns may include a persistent head tilt or head-turning preference, difficulty tolerating tummy time, flattening of the head, limited rolling, difficulty sitting or crawling, persistent toe standing, or delays in walking.
For older children, concerns may include poor posture, frequent falling or tripping, difficulty keeping up with peers, decreased strength or endurance, balance or coordination challenges, changes in walking or running, or difficulty returning to activity following an injury.
You can also schedule an evaluation when you simply want reassurance that your child’s movement and development are progressing as expected.
Do you specialize in torticollis and plagiocephaly?
Yes. Torticollis and associated head-shape concerns are a significant part of my pediatric physical therapy practice. I have extensive experience evaluating and treating infants with head-turning preferences, persistent head tilt, asymmetry, positional preferences, and plagiocephaly.
My assessment looks beyond the neck. I evaluate your baby’s head and trunk alignment, range of motion, strength, symmetry, positioning, tolerance for tummy time, and overall movement patterns.
Because a baby’s body develops as an interconnected system, addressing torticollis often means looking at how the entire body is moving—not simply stretching the neck.
Early identification is especially valuable because subtle asymmetries can influence how a baby learns to roll, sit, reach, crawl, and explore the environment.
What specialized experience do you have with babies and infant development?
Infant development has been a major focus of my clinical work throughout my career. My experience includes 19 years working in the NICU and neonatal follow-up, as well as more than 30 years of pediatric physical therapy practice.
My approach to babies combines advanced pediatric physical therapy training with close observation of early movement, posture, alignment, symmetry, muscle tone, strength, and emerging motor skills.
I don’t look only at when a baby reaches a milestone. I look at how your baby is getting there. Subtle differences in movement can provide valuable information about development before a significant motor delay becomes obvious.
What is a Baby Wellness consultation?
A Baby Wellness consultation is designed for parents who want professional guidance about their baby’s movement and development but may not necessarily be seeking ongoing physical therapy.
We can discuss tummy time, positioning, play, emerging motor skills, developmental expectations, equipment, and other questions you may have about your baby’s movement.
The goal is to help you better understand what you are seeing and provide practical ways to encourage purposeful movement and play at home.
What is the difference between a Baby Wellness consultation and physical therapy?
A Baby Wellness consultation is appropriate for parents seeking guidance about development, positioning, play, tummy time, equipment, or emerging motor skills without a known condition or established need for ongoing therapy.
Physical therapy involves a comprehensive evaluation and, when indicated, an individualized treatment plan for a specific developmental, orthopedic, neurological, strength, balance, alignment, or movement concern.
If you are unsure which is appropriate, you do not need to make that determination before contacting me.
Specialized Pediatric Physical Therapy
What is NDT, and how does it influence your approach?
NDT, or Neuro-Developmental Treatment, is a specialized approach used by trained therapists working with individuals who have challenges with movement and postural control.
As an NDT-certified pediatric physical therapist, I use principles of alignment, postural control, sensory-motor experience, and movement facilitation as part of my clinical reasoning.
Rather than relying on one technique or treatment method, I integrate these principles with current evidence, developmental science, and the individual needs of each child.
The goal is to help children develop more efficient, functional movement that they can use during play and everyday activities.
What are TASES, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)?
Electrical stimulation may be used in pediatric physical therapy to support muscle activation and functional movement. Terms you may encounter include Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), and Task-Specific Electrical Stimulation (TASES).
I have advanced training in TASES, an approach that pairs electrical stimulation with purposeful, task-specific movement. Rather than focusing solely on activating an individual muscle, stimulation is incorporated into meaningful activities to support functional movement and the child’s individual goals.
Electrical stimulation is not appropriate or necessary for every child. When considered, its use is based on the child’s individual presentation, goals, and overall plan of care.
Your Child’s Visit
What happens during the first visit?
The first visit includes a comprehensive assessment of your child’s movement and development.
I look beyond whether a milestone has been reached and evaluate how your child moves, including posture, alignment, strength, symmetry, balance, transitions, coordination, and movement patterns.
We will discuss what I am seeing, what it may mean for your child’s development, and practical activities you can incorporate into everyday routines and play.
You will leave with a better understanding of your child’s movement and a plan for what comes next.
Do parents and caregivers participate in sessions?
Absolutely. Parent and caregiver involvement is an important part of therapy, particularly with babies and young children.
I want you to understand what we are working on, why it matters, and how you can support your child’s development between visits.
The goal is not to turn your day into therapy. It is to show you how purposeful movement and play can fit naturally into your child’s everyday routines.
How do in-home physical therapy sessions work?
Sessions take place in your home, allowing your child to move and play in a familiar environment.
In-home visits also give me the opportunity to see the spaces, toys, equipment, and routines your child experiences every day. Whenever possible, we use what you already have at home and develop practical strategies that can become part of everyday play and activity.
How often will my child need physical therapy?
Frequency depends on your child’s individual needs. Some children benefit from regular treatment, while others may need periodic consultations, developmental check-ins, or a short period of focused intervention.
After the evaluation, we will discuss what schedule makes the most sense for your child and family.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes. Virtual Baby Wellness consultations are available for families who have questions about their baby’s development, movement, positioning, tummy time, play, or emerging motor skills and would like professional guidance from home.
If your child’s needs would be better addressed through an in-person physical therapy evaluation, I will recommend that as the next step.
Do you collaborate with my child’s other providers?
Yes. When appropriate and with parent permission, I am happy to collaborate with pediatricians, specialists, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other professionals involved in your child’s care.
A collaborative approach can be particularly valuable when a child is receiving services from multiple providers or returning to school, sports, or other activities.
Insurance & Getting Started
Do you accept insurance?
Motor Skills Matter is an out-of-network pediatric physical therapy practice. Payment is made directly for services, and I provide an itemized invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Insurance reimbursement varies by plan, so families should contact their insurance provider to determine their individual out-of-network benefits and requirements.
Do you participate in Early Intervention (EI) or CPSE?
I do not provide services through Early Intervention or CPSE contracts.
Families may choose to work with me privately in addition to services their child receives through Early Intervention, CPSE, school, or another therapy program.
When appropriate and with parent permission, I am happy to collaborate with the other professionals involved in your child’s care.
Do I need a referral from my pediatrician?
New York allows direct access to physical therapy in many circumstances, meaning you may be able to begin physical therapy without first obtaining a physician referral.
Insurance requirements may differ, however, and some plans require a prescription or referral for reimbursement.
If your child’s evaluation identifies findings that warrant additional medical assessment, I will recommend follow-up with your pediatrician or an appropriate specialist.
What if I’m not sure whether my child needs physical therapy?
You don’t have to figure that out before contacting me.
Parents often recognize that something about their child’s movement looks or feels different but aren’t sure whether it is something to watch, something that may respond to a few simple changes, or something that deserves a closer look.
An evaluation or consultation can provide clarity, reassurance, and, when appropriate, a plan for moving forward.
Turning confusion into confidence begins with understanding how your child moves.