Pediatric Rehabilitation at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia
Expert care for children who need physical, occupational, speech-language and respiratory therapy
When your child needs therapy or rehabilitation, you may feel a mix of concern and uncertainty. The Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia pediatric rehabilitation team knows this journey can be difficult. We’re here to make it easier. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, specialized care to help your child regain strength, mobility and independence.
We know that rehabilitation for children is different from rehabilitation for adults. Children are still growing and developing, so their care requires special knowledge and approaches. Our physicians and therapists are experts in rehabilitation and pediatric care. This ensures your child receives the best treatment for their unique needs.
Focus on your child’s unique needs
Pediatric rehabilitation services are designed for babies, adolescents, teens and young adults with developmental disabilities, illnesses or injuries. Our goal is to improve your child’s overall function and quality of life. We want to help them thrive at home, in school and in their community.We know that rehabilitation for children is different from rehabilitation for adults. Children are still growing and developing, so their care requires special knowledge and approaches. Our physicians and therapists are experts in rehabilitation and pediatric care. This ensures your child receives the best treatment for their unique needs.
Renowned Team
At Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, we have a team of highly skilled and experienced pediatric rehabilitation therapists. Our team of dedicated professionals are experts in their fields and passionate about working with children. We believe every child deserves the best care possible, and we work to ensure your child receives it. Our therapists collaborate closely with families, physicians and other healthcare providers. We’ll create a holistic care plan that supports your child’s recovery and long-term well-being.Comprehensive services for a wide range of conditions
Many conditions and disorders can benefit from rehabilitation therapy. We offer rehabilitation programs for brain or spinal cord injury, trauma, illness or congenital conditions. Licensed therapists care for your child during outpatient visits or acute inpatient care. Our pediatric rehabilitation services cover a range of conditions, including:- Amputations
- Autism
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Brain injuries
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple system disorders
- Muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurodevelopmental conditions
- Orthopedic injuries
- Sensory processing dysfunction
- Spasticity (tone) conditions
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injuries
- Swallowing and feeding issues
- Voice disorders
Our services
Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
Most of us take breathing for granted, but for some children, it can be a struggle. At Wellstar Children’s Hospital, we offer respiratory therapy for children facing a temporary breathing issue or a long-term respiratory condition. We’re here to provide expert care in a compassionate and supportive environment.Our licensed respiratory therapists are specially trained to evaluate, treat and care for children experiencing breathing difficulties or disorders. Care is provided across many settings, including our clinics and the Pulmonary Function Testing lab. In critical moments, our team collaborates with doctors and surgeons to support children in emergency and intensive care situations, from the neonatal to the pediatric intensive care units.
We are trained to use the most advanced equipment and therapies available to provide a continuum of care to all children from newborns to age 21.
Our approach
Licensed respiratory therapists are certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Neonatal Resuscitation. They are on call 24/7 to provide critical care services such as:- Emergency care for children with severe breathing problems, respiratory disease and trauma, including intubation and airway management
- High-risk birth and infant ventilation services in the neonatal intensive care unit
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for critically ill babies and children
- Postsurgical care and pneumonia prevention to support children after major surgeries
- Ventilation services to treat severe respiratory conditions with special therapeutic gases such as nitric oxide and heliox.
Emergency responders
In emergencies, every second counts. Our respiratory therapists are vital to the medical teams who ensure children receive immediate and effective care in emergencies. These skilled professionals provide critical breathing support. Our team works with:- Neonatal and pediatric transport teams: Our respiratory therapists provide critical breathing support for ill and injured children during transport to Wellstar Children’s.
- Pediatric Evaluation Team: Our therapists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to evaluate and manage the respiratory status of inpatients, ensuring timely intervention when needed.
Care for chronic breathing disorders
For children living with chronic respiratory conditions, we offer comprehensive education and specialized ventilation services. Our goal is to empower families with the knowledge and tools to manage their child’s condition at home, improving quality of life.- Asthma: We follow evidence-based protocols to treat asthma and educate families on managing the condition at home. This ensures you have the tools and knowledge to keep your child’s asthma under control.
- Cystic fibrosis: Our specialized care and education for cystic fibrosis includes education for your child and your family. This helps navigate your child’s chronic condition and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
- Neuromuscular disorders: Our focus is maintaining clear and healthy lung function for children with neuromuscular disorders. We provide targeted respiratory therapies to keep their lungs clear and minimize complications.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
At Wellstar Children’s, helping children achieve the best possible healthcare outcome is our top priority. Our specialized outpatient rehabilitation programs and inpatient therapy services are for children of all ages. Licensed physical therapists create therapy plans that help them reach their full potential.Our approach
Physical therapy can make a world of difference for a child recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition or navigating developmental challenges. Our program enhances your child’s physical abilities—whether it’s improving movement, building strength or increasing range of motion. Every personalized care plan maximizes each child’s potential for movement and independence.Outpatient physical therapy
Successful rehabilitation is a team effort. That’s why we collaborate with physical therapists, patients, families and treatment teams. Our goal is to deliver effective outpatient rehabilitation services. These services are designed to meet each child’s unique needs and help them improve in key areas such as:- Balance
- Coordination
- Functional mobility
- Gait
- Motor control
- Movement
- Range of motion
- Strength
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
We understand how important it is for children to gain the skills they need to live their best lives. The occupational therapists at Wellstar Children’s are dedicated to providing both outpatient rehabilitation programs and inpatient therapy specifically designed for kids. Whether your child is recovering from an injury, managing a condition or facing developmental challenges, we’re here to help them thrive.Our approach
Occupational therapy is about giving children the tools they need to confidently perform everyday tasks. From improving fine motor skills and sensory processing to enhancing coordination and movement, our licensed occupational therapists work hand-in-hand with each child and their family.Every therapy plan is personalized, focusing on your child’s unique needs and goals. We’re committed to helping them grow stronger, more independent and ready to take on the world.
Outpatient occupational therapy
When it comes to outpatient therapy, we offer a supportive environment where children can build the skills they need to succeed in daily life. Our occupational therapists are passionate about helping kids improve in key areas such as:- Building social skills and improving sensory processing
- Developing cognitive and coordination skills
- Enhancing functional mobility and movement
- Improving visual perception to better understand and interact with the world around them
- Increasing visual perception
- Performing daily activities independently
- Strengthening muscles and increasing range of motion
We believe that every child has the potential to achieve great things, and we’re here to support them. Our goal is to empower your child with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential.