Pediatric Physical Therapy

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a combination of medical problems. These problems may include heart defects, cleft palate, speech or feeding problems, difficulty fighting infections, low...

Abdominal pain is discomfort or pain located anywhere between the chest and the pelvis.

AC joint injuries are common sources of shoulder pain caused by fracture, displacement, or arthritis.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) involves a brief but intense attack of inflammation (swelling) in the brain and spinal cord that damages the brain's myelin.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a neurologic condition that can cause muscle weakness and possible paralysis.

In the form of leukemia known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes is affected.

Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, is a quickly progressing type of blood cancer.

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare but serious condition that causes brain damage following a viral infection, most often influenza (the flu).

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) involves a brief, intense attack of swelling in the spinal cord that damages myelin.

Angelman syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that causes developmental and neurological problems.

An ankle sprain is a stretch injury of the ligaments that support the ankle.

Anorectal malformations are birth defects in which the anus and rectum don’t develop properly.

An ACL injury occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament tears, often as a result of cutting and pivoting during sports.

Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few cells.

An arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is an injury to the brain or spinal cord caused by a lack of oxygen to the area affected.

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of arteries and veins in the brain that disrupt the normal flow of blood.

Arthrogryposis is a term used to describe conditions characterized by stiff joints and abnormally developed muscles.

An atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a very rare, aggressive tumor of the central nervous system.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental issue where people have trouble paying attention and controlling impulses.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way your child develops and behaves.

Avulsion fractures happen when a bone fragment separates from the rest of the bone.

A birth defect is a health problem or a physical abnormality.

Bladder exstrophy is a rare birth defect involving the urinary, reproductive, and intestinal tracts, as well as the musculoskeletal system.

Bone tumors and bone cysts are types of abnormal growth within a bone. Most are benign (noncancerous).

Bowlegs (genu varum) is a condition in which a child’s legs curve outward at the knees.

Brachial plexus birth injury is an injury to the brachial plexus nerves that occurs during childbirth.

A brain aneurysm is a weak point in a blood vessel within the brain.

Childhood brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), but both types can be life-threatening.

A broken ankle typically involves one or both of the long bones of the leg, the tibia and the fibula.

A broken femur is a fracture of the thighbone.

A broken leg is a break or crack of one long bones of the leg.

A broken tibia-fibula is a fracture of one or both of the long bones in the lower leg.

Burkitt lymphoma (aka small noncleaved cell lymphoma) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system.

Bursitis happens when one or more bursae become irritated and swollen, usually through overuse or injury.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle characterized by an abnormally large, thick or stiff heart muscle.

CDKL5 disorder is a rare neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by early onset epilepsy, low muscle tone, and developmental challenges.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect muscle tone, posture, and movement as a result of damage to the brain of an infant.

Chest wall deformities are structural irregularities in which a child’s chest is either sunken or protruding.

Chiari malformation is an abnormality in the back of the head where the brain and spinal cord meet.

Obesity occurs when a child is significantly over the ideal weight for her height.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems.

Chronic lung disease of prematurity is a long-term respiratory problem faced by babies born prematurely.

A clavicle fracture is a break in the bone that connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade.

Cleft foot occurs when the foot didn’t develop properly during fetal development.

A cloacal anomaly is an anorectal malformation that occurs while a female fetus is developing in its mother's womb.

Cloacal exstrophy, also known as OEIS syndrome, occurs when a portion of the large intestine lies outside of the body.

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which the foot turns down and inward.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition associated with persistent pain in one or more limbs.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a rapid acceleration of the brain.

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is when there’s a hole in the diaphragm — a thin layer of muscle and tissue that separates the chest and abdominal cavity.

A congenital heart defect is a structural problem of the heart that develops during pregnancy.

Congenital limb differences occur when a baby’s arm or leg does not form properly during pregnancy.

Congenital scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that babies are born with.

Constipation is when a child has infrequent bowel movement or bowel movements that are difficult to pass.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic condition that affects development and growth.

COVID-19 affects children and families in many different ways.

Craniofacial anomalies are deformities that affect a child’s head and facial bones.

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the fibrous connections grow together (fuse) too early.

Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease, involves multiple parts of the body, including the lungs and digestive system.

Enuresis is the medical term for involuntary urination, or “wetting.”

Developmental delays refer to when developmental skills are at a lower level than expected for a child’s age, such as language, motor, cognition, or play.

A dislocated knee, also known as a dislocated patella, occurs when the kneecap pops out from its normal position.

A dislocation happens when extreme force is put on a ligament and the ends of two connected bones separate.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by developmental delays and learning disability.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and most severe type of muscular dystrophy.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of disorders that affect a person's connective tissue.

An encephalocele is a rare birth defect in which the tissue covering the brain, and a portion of the brain itself, protrude through openings in the skull.

Encopresis is a problem that won’t go away on its own, but is relatively easy to treat.

Epilepsy is a complex condition that makes a child susceptible to seizures.

Epispadias occurs when the urethra (the tube through which a child urinates) fails to close normally.

Ewing sarcoma is a kind of cancer that grows in bones or soft tissues.

Facial nerve paralysis happens when a child cannot move muscles that control smiling and blinking, among other facial movements.

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements.

Femoral anteversion is an inward twisting of the thigh bone (femur).

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a group of abnormalities that occur in babies born to mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy.

Flexible flatfoot is a common childhood condition in which a child has very little or no arch in their feet.

A fracture is a break in the bone that occurs when more force is applied to the bone than the bone can withstand.

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause a range of learning and developmental problems.

Functional abdominal pain is persistent stomach pain that does not resolve with usual treatment.

Genetic disorders include certain types of birth defects, chronic diseases, developmental problems, and sensory deficits that are inherited from one or both parents.

A growth plate fracture is a fracture that intersects the area of soft cartilage where bone growth takes place.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurs when the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.

Head injury is a broad term that describes many different types of conditions — ranging from bumps and bruises to concussions, skull fractures, and serious brain injuries.

Secondary headaches are caused by another medical condition. Primary headaches are most often migraine and tension-type headaches.

Heart failure in children occurs when a child’s heart is not working as well as it should.

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that slows the body’s ability for form blood clots.

A hemorrhagic stroke is the result of bleeding in the brain.

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has not developed properly and the socket (acetabulum) is too shallow.

A hip fracture is a partial or complete break in any of the three bones of the pelvis that make up the hip.

Hip impingement is a common cause of hip pain caused by abnormal bone development in the hip joint.

A hip labral tear is a tear in the rubbery tissue that normally cushions and supports the edge of the hip joint.

Hip pain in teens and young adults is often a sign of an underlying problem.

Hirschsprung's disease occurs when intestinal nerve cells don’t develop properly.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that causes cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce.

Hydrocephalus is extra fluid in or around the brain.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a spectrum of heart diseases in which the left-heart structures are underdeveloped.

Idiopathic scoliosis is one of three different types of scoliosis that causes a lateral curvature of the spine.

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common cause of knee and hip pain.

Infantile scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine that affects infants and toddlers.

Infantile spasms, sometimes called West syndrome, are a type of seizure that occurs in babies.

Interstitial lung disease is a group of rare lung diseases that can make it difficult to breathe.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding inside or around the ventricles — spaces in the brain that contain the cerebral spinal fluid.

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis affects the spine and the sites where the muscles, tendons, and ligaments attach to bone.

Juvenile arthritis isn’t one condition, but is the general name for many types of arthritis that can occur in children.

Kabuki syndrome is a rare congenital disorder.

Knock knees (genu valgum) is a condition in which the knees tilt inward while the ankles remain spaced apart.

Krabbe disease is when an abnormal accumulation of fat molecules affects the cells in the nervous system.

Kyphosis is an abnormal forward curve in the upper spine.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (aka Perthes disease) happens when the ball-shaped head of the thighbone temporarily loses its blood supply.

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer. It develops in the bone marrow and is the most common form of cancer in children.

A limb-length discrepancy is when one leg or arm is shorter than the other leg or arm.

Little League elbow is an injury of the tendons, ligaments, or bones of a young athlete’s elbow.

Little League shoulder happens when an athlete throws too often or repeatedly throws the wrong way and hurts his shoulder.

Lordosis is an exaggerated curve of the spine that typically affects the lower back.

Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection that causes three thin layers of tissue that surround the brain and the spinal cord to swell.

In microcephaly, the brain develops abnormally, causing the head to be much smaller than expected for the child's age.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), also called pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome temporally related to SARS CoV-2 (PMIS or PIMS-TS), is a potentially serious illness in children that appears to...

Morquio syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects a child’s bones and spine, organs, and physical abilities.

Children with movement disorders have involuntary movements or trouble moving in the way they intend to.

Moyamoya is a rare condition in which the blood vessels (internal carotid arteries) that supply blood to the brain become narrowed.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is when the body's immune system reacts against the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

Hypotonia is decreased muscle tone.

Muscular dystrophy is a general name for a group of rare diseases that cause muscle weakness. It is caused by mutations in certain genes.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal illness in babies that results in the death of intestinal tissues.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a term for a group of problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics.

Neonatal stroke is stroke in newborns between birth and 28 days.

Nervous system disorders can involve a range of conditions that may be chronic or may be triggered by secondary factors.

Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that begins in nerve tissue of young children.

Neurofibromatosis 1 is a genetic condition that causes symptoms including tumors (called neurofibromas) formed from nerve tissue.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic disorder that causes slow-growing tumors to develop on the eighth cranial nerve.

Neurogenic bladder is a urinary tract dysfunction in which the bladder doesn’t empty, properly due to a neurological condition or spinal cord injury.

Neuromuscular scoliosis is one of three main types of scoliosis that cause an irregular curvature of the spine.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) all start in lymph tissue and share some similarities in how the cells look under a microscope.

Noonan syndrome is a genetic condition that can affect many different areas of the body and development.

An omphalocele is a congenital abnormality in which some of the abdominal organs of an infant protrude through an opening in the muscles near the umbilical cord.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse condition or knee injury that causes a painful bump and swelling on the shinbone.

Osteoblastoma is a benign, bone-forming tumor that’s most often found in the lower vertebrae of the spine or long bones of the lower extremity.

Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint disorder in which a segment of bone and cartilage starts to separate from the rest of the bone.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterized by fragile bones that break easily without a specific cause.

Osteomyelitis is the term for a bone infection.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a voiding dysfunction that results in the urge to urinate frequently and urgently.

Overuse injuries are sports-related microtraumas that result from repetitively using the same parts of the body.

Patellar instability (kneecap dislocation) happens when the kneecap slides out of place.

Patellofemoral pain is pain around the front of the knee.

Pectus excavatum, also known as concave chest or funnel chest, is a deformity of the chest wall.

While childhood cancer is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring intensive treatment, the majority of pediatric cancers are treatable.

Fibromyalgia is when pain is being set off by things that feel painless to most people — getting a friendly pat on the back, for instance.

Pelvic pain is defined as frequently experienced pain in the region below the belly button and between the hips.

Peripheral nerve injuries interfere with signals between the brain and other parts of the body.

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury most common in very premature babies.

PICU Up!™ is an early mobility program that aims to improve the health and well-being of children in intensive care.

Plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of one or both heels, caused by irritation to the plantar fascia, which are the dense tissue bands that connect the heels to...

Pompe disease is caused by a genetic mutation that causes a buildup of complex sugars in the body’s tissues.

A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature. Slightly fewer than 12 percent of all babies are premature.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS, aka “progeria”) is a rare condition in which children show signs of early aging.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is abnormally high blood pressure that occurs in the arteries of the lungs (the pulmonary arteries).

Rectal prolapse occurs when the lining of a child's rectum protrudes through the anus and outside the body.

Relapsed neuroblastoma is when neuroblastoma returns in patients who have already undergone treatment for the disease. Refractory neuroblastoma is when the tumor does not respond to initial treatment.

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes a loss of spoken language and motor skills, as well as behavioral and neurological problems.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that grows in the body's soft tissues.

Sanfilippo syndrome (aka mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III)) is a rare, inherited disorder that's classified as a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD).

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has an abnormal curve. A spine with scoliosis curves front to back but also curves sideways.

Sever’s disease occurs when the growth plate in the back of the heel becomes inflamed and painful.

“Shin splints” is a catch-all term for tenderness and pain in the area of the shin bone (tibia).

Short bowel syndrome, or "short gut," is a condition caused by the loss of a functioning small intestine.

A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball at the top of the arm bone separates from the shoulder socket.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder where cells cluster together, making it difficult for them to move through small blood vessels, thus denying oxygen to the blood.

Skeletal dysplasia is a category of rare genetic disorders that cause abnormal development of a baby’s bones, joints, and cartilage.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most common developmental conditions of the hip joint.

Spina bifida occurs when the brain, spinal cord, or the membranes that cover them (meninges) do not completely develop.

A spinal cord injury is any damage to the spinal cord that is caused by trauma, rather than a birth defect or medical condition.

A spinal cord fracture is a break to the cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar vertebrae.

Spinal muscular atrophy is when muscles throughout the body are weakened because nerve cells in the spinal cord and brainstem do not work properly.

Spine problems develop when normal spinal curves grow too large, or the spine curves in the wrong way, or when the vertebrae are not strong enough to support the spine...

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the lower back. If left untreated, it can progress to spondylolisthesis, where vertebra, weakened by fracture, slips out of alignment with the rest of...

Sprains are ligament injuries resulting from wrenching or twisting a joint. Strains are injuries to a muscle or tendon.

A stress fracture is a tiny crack that forms in the bone, usually as a result of overuse or repetitive, stress-bearing motions.

Stroke is a general term that is used to describe an injury to the brain caused by either bleeding (referred to as hemorrhagic stroke) or a lack of oxygen due...

Subtalar extra-articular screw arthroereisis (SESA) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for flexible flatfoot being investigated at Boston Children’s.

A tarsal coalition is an abnormal connection between two or more of the tarsal bones.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is when the temporomandibular joint is overexerted.

Tennis elbow is an injury to the tendons attaching the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow.

A tethered spinal cord occurs when the spinal cord is attached to tissue around the spine, most commonly at the base.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a serious congenital heart defect where the heart’s anatomy prevents enough oxygen-poor (blue) blood from flowing to the lungs to receive oxygen.

Tibial torsion is the twisting of a child’s shinbone (tibia).

Toileting difficulties include inability/refusal to toilet train, constipation, encopresis, daytime wetting, and bedwetting.

A torn meniscus can happen during any activity in which the knee is compressed or forcefully twisted or rotated.

Torticollis, or wryneck, is a twisted neck. It’s relatively common in children.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the compression of nerves and blood vessels in the upper chest that travel to the arms through the thoracic outlet.

A tracheoesophageal fistula is when there is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea.

A trisomy and a monosomy are types of numerical chromosome abnormalities that can cause certain birth defects.

Urinary retention is the inability to fully empty the bladder for longer than 12 hours.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract that can cause discomfort and complications in your child.

Vascular malformations are benign (non-cancerous) lesions that are present at birth, but may not become visible until weeks or months later.

Voiding dysfunction means that your child is unable to completely empty her bladder.

A gait abnormality is an unusual walking pattern.

Williams syndrome is a rare developmental disorder that can affect many parts of the body, including the heart and blood vessels.