Endeavors Pediatric Therapy, LLC

08/01/2025

Last week we had a fun filled “Summer in July”. The kiddos made frozen hot cocoa, had an elf scavenger hunt, “make your own snowman” craft section, and ornaments ! Huge kudos to our amazing Clinical Director Sam L, who went (as always!) above and beyond and made this event so special and unique !!! Great fun was had by all !!

06/13/2025

We love you TJ !!! Happy Birthday !!!!

05/20/2025

Zeus is the comfiest chair in the clinic for the kiddos 😜

05/01/2025

A very Happy Speech Therapy Month to our amazing, hard working, driven and patient driven therapists, Nell and Whitney. They care more deeply about your kids than most of you guys know - and love what they do ❤️

Tell em thanks when you see them !!! And to the MANY coming on board in coming months to join the Speech team - we cannot wait to have you join our family !!!!

04/23/2025

Gotta say … proud to have THE BEST around !!!!! (And some more awesome ones joining our team May and June !!!)

Stay tuned to meet and greet them all !!! 😉

04/22/2025

Toe walking in kids, where a child walks on their toes or the balls of their feet without heels touching the ground, is common in early development but can signal issues if persistent past age 2-3. It’s often seen in typically developing kids as they learn to walk, but prolonged toe walking may be linked to conditions like cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, muscular dystrophy, or tight Achilles tendons (heel cords). Other causes include sensory processing issues, where kids seek sensory input through toe walking, or idiopathic toe walking, where no clear cause is identified.

**Why it happens:**
- **Developmental phase**: Normal in toddlers learning to walk, usually outgrown by age 2.
- **Neurological conditions**: Cerebral palsy or autism can affect muscle tone or motor control, leading to toe walking.
- **Musculoskeletal issues**: Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles restrict ankle movement.
- **Sensory preferences**: Some kids toe walk to regulate sensory input, common in autism or sensory processing disorders.
- **Idiopathic**: Habitual toe walking with no underlying condition, often familial.

**Why physical therapy is needed:**
Physical therapy addresses toe walking to prevent long-term complications and improve function. Persistent toe walking can lead to:
- **Muscle imbalances**: Tight calf muscles and weak anterior leg muscles.
- **Joint issues**: Reduced ankle flexibility and abnormal stress on knees or hips.
- **Balance problems**: Increased fall risk due to unstable gait.
- **Foot pain or deformities**: Overuse of forefoot can cause discomfort or calluses.

**How physical therapy helps:**
- **Stretching exercises**: Lengthen tight Achilles tendons and calf muscles.
- **Strengthening**: Build strength in ankle and leg muscles for proper gait.
- **Gait training**: Teach heel-to-toe walking patterns.
- **Sensory integration**: Address sensory-seeking behaviors with alternative inputs.
- **Orthotics or bracing**: Support proper foot positioning, like ankle-foot orthoses.
- **Motor control**: Improve coordination and balance, especially in neurological conditions.

Therapy is tailored to the child’s age, cause, and severity. For example, kids with cerebral palsy may need intensive therapy alongside medical interventions, while idiopathic toe walkers might respond to stretching and gait training alone. Early intervention is key to prevent compensatory habits or surgical needs (e.g., Achilles tendon lengthening) later.

If toe walking persists beyond age 2-3, doesn’t improve with gentle encouragement, or is accompanied by other developmental concerns (e.g., speech delays, motor stiffness), a pediatrician or physical therapist should evaluate. Therapy outcomes are best when started early, though older kids can still benefit.

04/21/2025

So we frequently get asked “What exactly is OT?” It is such a broad field but here is the simple answer 😉

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills needed for daily activities, such as playing, learning, and self-care. It focuses on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, and cognitive abilities in kids with developmental delays, disabilities, or injuries. Therapists use play-based activities to address challenges like difficulty with handwriting, dressing, or social interaction, tailoring interventions to each child’s needs to promote independence and participation in everyday life.

04/19/2025

Our amazing team of physical therapists LOVE seeing your kids grow by LEAPS and bounds !!!

Appreciation post to Richard, Meghan, Kendall and Karie for rocking at what they do !!!!

04/15/2025

Took a lil break from the zones so here is the last one !!!!

The Blue Zone !!!

The **Blue Zone** in the *Zones of Regulation* framework represents a low state of alertness and energy, where someone might feel sad, tired, sick, bored, or lonely. It’s like a "rest area" where the body and mind are moving slowly. In this zone, people may need to rest, recharge, or seek comfort to manage their feelings and meet their goals.

Key Features of the Blue Zone:
- **Emotions**: Sad, tired, sick, hurt, lonely, bored.
- **Body Signals**: Heavy limbs, slow heartbeat, foggy head, sluggish movements.
- **Purpose**: Recognizing these feelings helps individuals understand when they need to energize (e.g., through movement or music), seek comfort (e.g., talking to someone or a hug), or rest (e.g., quiet time or sleep).

Strategies for the Blue Zone:
- **Energize**: Try physical activities like stretching, dancing, or a short walk to boost energy.
- **Comfort**: Seek a hug, talk to a trusted person, or engage in calming activities like reading.
- **Rest**: Take a break, nap, or relax with quiet time to recharge.

Learn about the Zones of Regulation a powerful framework and curriculum to help students develop emotional self-regulation and control.

04/12/2025

Zeus found the wet paint on the walls 😑

04/11/2025

Yellow Zone Day !!!!

The Yellow Zone in the Zones of Regulation framework describes a heightened state of alertness where emotions and energy levels are elevated, but you still have some control. It’s like a yellow traffic light—proceed with caution. You might feel things like frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, nervousness, or wiggly energy. Physically, your heart might beat faster, or you could feel jittery.

This zone isn’t inherently bad; it’s normal to feel these emotions sometimes, like being excited before a big event or nervous about a test. The key is recognizing when you’re in the Yellow Zone and using strategies to manage those feelings if they’re not helpful for the situation—like taking deep breaths, pausing to think, or using a mindfulness trick to slow racing thoughts. For example, if you’re feeling frustrated, you might step back and count to ten before reacting.

The goal isn’t always to leave the Yellow Zone but to regulate within it, especially if the context (like a classroom or social setting) calls for calmer focus. It’s about noticing your state and deciding what’s needed to meet your goals or handle the moment effectively.

04/10/2025

Red Zone day!!!!!!

The **Red Zone** specifically represents a state of heightened alertness and intense emotions, where a person might feel out of control. Emotions associated with the Red Zone include anger, rage, panic, terror, or extreme excitement. Physically, someone in the Red Zone might experience a racing heart, clenched fists, or a sense of overwhelm.

In this framework, the goal isn’t to avoid the Red Zone entirely—since feeling big emotions is human—but to recognize when you're in it and use strategies to shift to a calmer state, like the Green Zone (calm, focused, and ready to learn). Examples of strategies for the Red Zone might include deep breathing, taking a break, or physical activity to release energy.