Physical Therapy Services

APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) accredited and licensed PT clinicians implement therapy services for children ages 0–18 or grades ECE–12th. Therapy is focused on improving gross motor, mobility, strength, coordination, safety, and independence in their day-to-day lives.

How does online physical therapy work?

Who conducts online physical therapy?

Physical Therapists (PTs) have provided online therapy to children throughout the U.S. for many years. They have the training and ability to work directly with children and their support academic teams, including teachers, special support providers, parents, and other caregivers. Our licensed PTs all have degrees and certifications from the APTA and a minimum of one year of experience in a school or pediatric setting.

Just as in a traditional therapy setting, our online PTs:

• Administer assessments
• Write evaluations
• Prepare IEPs and goals
• Serve as case managers
• Attend IEP meetings
• Complete progress reports with documented data
• Schedule students
• Communicate with parents and staff

Physical therapy sessions are provided in individual or small group settings either within or outside of the general education setting The length, content, and frequency of online therapy sessions are individualized in accordance with each student’s 504 plan or IEP.

Virtual TheraPeds breaks school-based Physical Therapy services into six categories—all of which can be treated by our online therapists:

• Gross motor
• Mobility
• Safety
• Strength and coordination
• Access to devices and equipment
• School-related motor skills

The platform includes a full suite of tools, including an interactive whiteboard, engaging and fun games, goal-based worksheets, and much more

Online Physical Therapy can take place in a variety of school settings, provided that students have access to:

• A computer with a reliable Internet connection, speakers, and microphone
• An externally-mounted, adjustable webcam (a second webcam is optional and enhances the service)
• Access to materials:  paper, notebook, pencils, scissors, glue, tape, markers, crayons, dry erase boards, books, and more as needed
• An adult or caregiver who assembles necessary materials requested by the PT and supports the therapist before and during sessions
• Space for the student(s) to move around and be seen on the camera(s)

Which PT evaluations can we conduct online?

Our online therapists perform evaluations using a combination of the following assessments and techniques:

• Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI)
• Motor-Free Visual Perception Test – Fourth Edition (MVPT-4)
• Test of Visual Motor Skills
• Wide Range Motor Abilities (visual motor and visual perceptual)
• Sensory Profile 2
• Sensory Processing Measure
• School Function Assessment
• Thorough clinical observation of school-related skills
• Parent, teacher, and student interviews