Therapy Services
Physical Therapy
The role of the physical therapist in the NICU is to assess an infant past 32 weeks post conceptual age that may require assistance with state control, positioning, range of motion, and developmental interventions. Services provided by PT include the following:
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State control: Helping baby tolerate being handled and to achieve quiet alert state with minimal stress signs.
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Positioning: Encouraging midline positioning, preventing cervical rotation preferences, and assisting with adaptive seating needs as appropriate.
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Range of motion: Used to prevent/reduce contractures (increased muscle tone, clubbed feet, etc.) and torticollis.
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Developmental interventions: Assisting with development of age-appropriate motor skills (head control, head midline, hands midline/hands to mouth, tracking, tummy time, reaching/grasping, rolling, etc.).
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Parent & caregiver education.
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Assessing the need for further interventions: Facilitating therapy services as needed including recommendations for Early Intervention services upon discharge.
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Car Seat Program: All physical and occupational therapy staff are child passenger safety certified technicians and assist with car seat needs as appropriate.
Speech and Occupational Therapy
The role of the speech therapist and occupational therapist in the NICU is to assess an infant's prefeeding skills and to assist when an infant is ready to begin oral feeds or is having difficulty transitioning to oral feeds.
Services provided by ST and OT include the following:
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Pre-feeding or non-nutritive evaluations.
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Oral motor/stimulation home programs.
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Collaboration with the medical team for feeding readiness.
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Feeding intervention (e.g., nipple adaptations, positional recommendations, therapeutic facilitation).
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Parent and caregiver education.
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Determine the need for further intervention if patient continues to demonstrate difficulty transitioning to feeds (e.g., video swallow study, long-term non-oral feeding).
Speech therapists and occupational therapists who work with medically fragile infants in the NICU have specific training to ensure infant development is supported and to facilitate transition to oral feeds. Additionally, occupational therapists can provide passive range of motion and/or splints to the upper extremities as needed.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed on: 6/2024