What are the early signs that my infant needs pediatric physical therapy?

You should consider a physical therapy evaluation if your infant struggles with body tension, stiffness, has difficulty with tummy time, experiences flat spots on their head, shows a strong side or rotational preference, has difficulty nursing, or preference for feeding on one side, or misses developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, or crawling. Addressing these restrictions early, can help prevent flat spots on the head, decrease further milestone delays, and sets a strong foundation for future movement and function.

Why does my baby only turn their head to one side?

Preferring to look or tilt their head to one side is often a sign of torticollis, a common and treatable tightening of the neck muscles. Torticollis can be present at birth or developed in early infancy. It is commonly influenced by in uterine components. It can lead to flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly), and feeding difficulties, if left unaddressed. Early intervention with a pediatric physical therapist helps stretch and strengthen the muscle imbalances, restoring functional range of motion.

Why is tummy time so difficult for my baby?

Tummy time requires significant physical effort from infants, as they must lift their heavy heads against gravity using undeveloped neck, shoulder, and core muscles. If a baby has underlying muscle tightness like torticollis, a preferred side, muscle imbalance, body tension, or gas pains, the position can feel restrictive and uncomfortable, leading to immediate fussiness. Womb to Walking, LLC can help by teaching positioning, modifications, gas relief techniques, and screening for any tension or positional preference early, therefore reducing the risk of further delays and head flattening. Research shows, babies improve better and quicker with earlier physical therapy referrals.

Where will my baby’s therapy sessions take place?

Womb to Walking, LLC offers concierge in-home services. This means that each session will take place in the comfort of the baby’s home with caregivers present. Babies find peace and security in familiar environments. That is why our therapist will come to you. No need to pack a diaper bag, take a long commute through traffic, or disrupt the baby’s mood and schedule by traveling to a noisy clinic. We will take care of the commute!

How long are my baby’s physical therapy or wellness appointments?

Most appointments will last about 60 minutes depending on the baby’s energy and tolerance for therapy. This includes physical therapy evaluations, treatment sessions, and wellness consults. Part of the appointment time includes parental education and planning. Breaks and snuggles with your baby are always allowed!

How many physical therapy appointments will my baby need?

This will depend on the diagnosis, age of baby at referral, and severity of the conditions presented. We will give you exercises and activities to complete between therapy sessions to ensure the most optimal outcome for your child. With most diagnoses, research shows the earlier therapy begins in infancy, the shorter the overall treatment time and better overall results. We will recommend the best timing protocol for your infant based on the initial evaluation. Each parent will maintain the right to request more or less support for your family.

What is connected touch? Why would my baby benefit from a infant massage?

Connected touch or infant massage is an age-old tradition dating back to the beginning of time and used across the world and throughout various cultures. It is a beautiful way for a caregiver to bond with their baby, while improving the health and well-being of their little one through loving touch. Infant massage has numerous researched benefits in many areas of infant growth and development. It is a beautiful way to promote bonding and attachment for the caregiver and baby right from the start. It has been shown to assist in decreasing anxiety and depression in both the caregiver and infant. Specifically for the baby, infant massage can provide relief for gas, constipation, GI cramping, teething, and colic pains and discomfort. Certain massage strokes can improve sinus drainage and circulation, while others stimulate muscles, decrease tension, and normalize tone. Infant massage can assist with feeding by stimulating lactation and the suck-swallow reflex. Infant massage supports sensory integration and self regulation from an early age while also promoting relaxation and improved sleep patterns. For more information check out: https://www.infantmassageusa.org/

Prefer a group setting to build community during parenthood? Check out our upcoming events page to sign up for group classes near you!

Do you accept insurance?

Research consistently shows that timely intervention is a large factor in success in treating infants with torticollis, developmental delay, and plagiocephaly. Early physical therapy intervention can improve outcomes and shorten overall treatment time. Womb to Walking, LLC operating as an out-of-network provider to avoid delaying time sensitive therapy services, frustrating long waiting periods after evaluations, and unnecessary restrictions to the infant’s needed services. We will not directly bill your insurance. We do require payment at the time of service, however, we will provide you with a detailed description of services that you can use as a super bill to submit for reimbursement on your own. We also provide an in-depth reimbursement guide with the initial evaluation. We recommend you research your physical therapy out-of-network benefits prior to initiating our services if reimbursement is desired. Reimbursement is determined by each individual insurance company and does not guarantee payment in full. Wellness consults or services and infant massage caregiver training sessions are not subject to reimbursement from insurance carriers.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, credit/debit cards, personal checks, and HSA/FSA cards. HSA/FSA cards cannot be used as a payment source for wellness services.

Do I need a doctor’s referral for pediatric physical therapy?

In both Missouri and Kansas, Physical Therapists have direct access to evaluate and initiate treatment on a patient without a referral. After the evaluation, we will fax a referral request along with our evaluation to the baby’s physician on your behalf. We strive to maintain an open relationship with your child’s provider throughout treatment. Wellness services and infant massage sessions do not require a referral.

What areas of Kansas City does Womb to Walking serve?

Womb to Walking, LLC provides mobile, concierge pediatric physical therapy throughout the Kansas City metro area. We travel to families living in Lee's Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City (MO/KS), Blue Springs, Prairie Village, Leawood, North KC, and surrounding local neighborhoods. Call today to see if we are traveling to your area!