The physical therapy department at 1st Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey fosters independence and mobility for every child through a comprehensive individualized plan of care.
At 1st Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey we work closely with teachers, therapists, doctors, orthotists, and vendors to seamlessly meet your child’s specialized needs. Using evidence-based practices, we provide the best therapy to achieve the greatest gains in function and skill. Treatment options include NDT, sensory integration, LiteGait Partial weight bearing, treadmill training, therapeutic exercise, rock wall, aquatic therapy in our on-site pool, hippotherapy, group programs, community based learning and yoga.
We have therapists who are certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), Assistive Technology by RESNA, and hippotherapy. The head of our PT department is recognized by the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) as a pediatric-certified specialist. Our therapists are experienced in yoga, LiteGait training, aquatic therapy, adaptive equipment and much more.
We’d like to meet with you to discuss how our team can assist you and your child. Please contact us today.
Physical Therapists
We have therapists who are certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), Assistive Technology by RESNA, and hippotherapy. The head of our PT department is recognized by the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) as a pediatric-certified specialist. Our therapists are experienced in yoga, LiteGait training, aquatic therapy, adaptive equipment and much more.
Aquatic Therapy
We offer year-round aquatic therapy in our on-site pool. The pool is heated to a therapeutic level and has a salination system. The pool area is covered by a sliding dome that can be opened for summer programming, making summer therapies feel more like camp. Our therapists have trained in aquatic therapy and use the pool as a wonderful tool to reach a child’s goals in water and on land.
Exercise & Wellness
Key components of children reaching their functional independence include the promotion of health and a wellness through a variety of interventions and supports. Our therapy department works closely with our adapted health and physical education teacher to help our students lead healthy lifestyles. We have an adapted fitness gym that includes accessible equipment for students of all abilities, including an endorphin upper extreme arm cycle pro gym, upper and lower extreme strength and Cardio unit rehab treadmills, a TRX suspension training system, free weights and more. We aim to improve cardiovascular endurance and increase bone, joint and muscular strength and flexibility.
Community Based Instruction
As an adjunct to our transition programming, community-based learning activities engage the local community to teach our students problem solving, independence, job tasks, social skills, mobility and more. The program works with our therapists, emphasizing regular trips within the community including supermarkets, restaurants, parks, public transportation, museums, stores and more.
Wheelchair – Seating Clinic
We strive to provide seating which will keep the client as comfortable and properly supported as possible while maintaining their level of independence. Wheelchair seating evaluations as well as other adaptive equipment evaluation are performed by a physical therapist with an Assistive Technology Practitioner Certification from RESNA (Rehab Engineering Society of North America). Evaluations and fittings are performed in conjunction with the family and their DME provider.
Adaptive Equipment
Our center is equipped with a large array of adapted equipment options including power wheelchairs, walkers and gait trainers, bicycles, positioning chairs and standers. Products are from Rifton, Kaye, Litegait, Up n Go, EZ Stand, Invacare, Quickie and many more. The varied equipment options allow us to try many types of equipment to find what works best for each child. Our therapists are highly experienced in pediatric and assistive devices, so equipment is used in creative and effective ways to best enhance a child’s overall function and progress.