How Physical Therapy Supports Movement & Independence for Individuals with IDD
Empowering Mobility, Enhancing Quality of Life
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), movement challenges can affect every aspect of daily life. Whether it’s difficulty walking, limited coordination, or challenges with balance and strength, Physical Therapy (PT) plays a vital role in improving mobility, independence, and overall well-being.
At Kramer Davis Health, our physical therapists specialize in working with individuals with IDD, offering customized treatment plans that improve movement, prevent pain, and enhance everyday function.
Why Is Physical Therapy Important for Individuals with IDD?
Many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy (CP), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and other neurodevelopmental conditions experience mobility challenges that impact their ability to walk, stand, sit, balance, and engage in physical activities.
Physical therapy helps by:
✔ Improving strength, balance, and coordination
✔ Enhancing motor skills for daily tasks like dressing and eating
✔ Increasing mobility to support independence at home and in the community
✔ Preventing secondary complications such as joint pain or posture issues
✔ Providing adaptive equipment training (wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, etc.)
Movement is life, and we empower people to move in order to help them live.
A Holistic Approach to Physical Therapy at Kramer Davis Health
Unlike standard physical therapy programs that focus only on injury rehabilitation, our approach is holistic, interdisciplinary, and designed specifically for individuals with IDD. We recognize that movement challenges don’t exist in isolation—they are connected to sensory processing, behavior, daily living skills, and cognitive function.
That’s why our physical therapists work closely with primary care providers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, behavioral health specialists, and adaptive equipment vendors to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
At Kramer Davis Health, we focus on functional therapy that integrates into everyday life, helping individuals:
✅ Walk, stand, or sit with greater ease and confidence
✅ Participate in recreational and social activities
✅ Develop skills for personal care tasks, including dressing and bathing
✅ Learn proper posture and positioning to prevent discomfort and injury
What to Expect During Physical Therapy at Kramer Davis Health
Preparing for Your First Visit
Before your first physical therapy session, think about:
- What daily tasks are difficult? (Walking, climbing stairs, dressing, etc.)
- What are your movement goals? (Increased balance, better coordination, less pain, etc.)
- What makes day-to-day life easier or more meaningful?
- Do you need adaptive equipment? (Braces, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)
Our physical therapists use this information to create a personalized plan that meets each individual’s unique needs.
Personalized PT Evaluation & Assessment
During the first visit, our physical therapists perform a comprehensive movement assessment to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This may include:
- Balance and coordination testing
- Joint range of motion assessment
- Muscle strength and endurance evaluation
- Functional mobility tests (walking, transferring, etc.)
- Gait and posture analysis
- Sensory-motor assessments for individuals with neurological conditions
Based on these results, we develop a customized treatment plan designed to help each patient move more confidently and comfortably.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions Focused on Functional Improvement
Each physical therapy session is designed to increase independence and mobility in real-life situations. Depending on the individual’s needs, sessions may include:
✔ Balance and coordination exercises to improve walking and stability
✔ Strength training to increase endurance for daily activities
✔ Stretching and flexibility exercises to reduce stiffness and pain
✔ Gait training for those with walking difficulties
✔ Aquatic therapy (water-based exercises) for low-impact movement support
✔ Adaptive equipment training to improve use of wheelchairs, orthotics, and mobility aids
✔ Neurological rehabilitation exercises for individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, or other neurodevelopmental conditions
Our goal is to help each individual gain greater independence, confidence, and comfort in their daily movements.
The Power of Interdisciplinary Care in Physical Therapy
At Kramer Davis Health, physical therapy is not an isolated service—it is part of a transdisciplinary approach to healthcare. Our physical therapists work directly with occupational therapists, speech therapists, primary care doctors, and behavioral health providers to create a well-rounded plan that supports the whole person.
💡 Example: A teen with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who struggles with balance, low muscle tone, and motor planning may also have challenges with sensory processing and fine motor skills. By working with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists together, we ensure all aspects of their movement and daily function are addressed.
How Physical Therapy Supports Caregivers
We understand that caregivers play a vital role in supporting movement and mobility at home. That’s why we:
✔ Educate families on safe movement techniques
✔ Provide home exercise programs for ongoing progress
✔ Recommend adaptive equipment to improve daily function
✔ Offer strategies for making everyday activities easier
By empowering caregivers with knowledge and resources, we ensure that progress made in therapy continues at home and in the community.
Who Benefits from Physical Therapy?
Our physical therapy services support individuals with a variety of diagnoses, including:
Mild to Profound Intellectual Disability
Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Fragile X Syndrome
Rett Syndrome
Angelman Syndrome
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
Hydrocephalus
Joubert Syndrome
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
Whether an individual needs help with gait training, posture correction, strength building, or balance improvement, our expert physical therapists are here to provide personalized, compassionate care.
Take the First Step Toward Improved Mobility
If your loved one struggles with movement, coordination, or physical independence, Physical Therapy at Kramer Davis Health can help.
Request a Tour of Kramer Davis Clinic – Experience our interdisciplinary, patient-centered approach firsthand.
Become a New Patient – Get started with a physical therapy program tailored to your needs.
