Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry)
Expert Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Services for Children in New Jersey
When your child isn’t reaching developmental milestones or needs help with their functional abilities, the health care journey can get complex. You might have to take them to see multiple specialists from a wide range of areas, such as physical, occupational or speech therapy, neurology, genetics, and more.
A physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist (also called a physiatrist) serves as the medical home for a child with developmental delays or functional issues. Think of them as the quarterback on a team of different specialists — they plan the next steps and pass the “ball” to other team members when needed.
A physiatrist provides comprehensive care by diagnosing underlying issues, creating personalized treatment plans, and coordinating with various specialists. The goal: make sure each child gets the best support possible for their overall growth and well-being.
From cerebral palsy and nerve and muscle diseases to genetic disorders, motor delays, and concussions — PM&R doctors specialize in treating a range of diagnoses.
Treatment for these conditions may include:
- Referrals to physical and occupational therapy to improve motor skills
- Prescriptions for assistive devices, orthotics, or braces for better mobility
- On-site spasticity management, including medications or injections
- Development of adaptive techniques to improve standing, walking, and climbing
- Collaborative care with other specialists for a comprehensive approach
- Lifelong care plans tailored to the child’s specific conditions
NICU Follow-Up Program
Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health offers NICU Follow-up Programs at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. Both provide specialized care for infants born under 32 weeks, with low birth weight, or those diagnosed with genetic conditions.
Collaborating within a multidisciplinary framework, PM&R doctors evaluate children multiple times throughout the first three years of life to identify and manage any developmental difficulties at key points in time. They assess motor development, address any delays, and identify potential issues related to muscle tone or coordination.
By prioritizing timely interventions and minimizing wait times, the program gives parents comprehensive information, realistic goals and a supportive framework. This ensures that infants receive the specialized attention they deserve through ongoing collaboration between pediatricians and other health care providers.
Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-5515
K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
1945 Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753
JFK University Medical Center
102 James Street, Suite 303 Edison
848-205-2620
Why Choose Us for Pediatric Physiatry?
By partnering with some of the best physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors in New Jersey, you have a say in every health care decision for your child. When you choose Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health for pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation, you get:
At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, pediatric physiatrists stand out for their unparalleled collaboration. Working within the same health system as other subspecialists, they ensure a seamless and cohesive approach, providing families with integrated care and expert coordination among various health care professionals.
Access the latest treatment approaches personalized for your child's unique needs. Our pediatric physiatrists employ the most recent advancements, ensuring innovative and effective interventions to enhance functionality, improve motor skills, and optimize overall development.
Choosing our pediatric physiatry services means opting for a holistic developmental approach. Our physiatrists address not only motor delays but also sensory and cognitive challenges. By providing personalized care plans, they guide children and their families toward improved functionality and overall well-being.