Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

The Mary Bridge Children’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team specializes in the care and medical management of children with conditions that affect the brain, spine and musculoskeletal system. The different parts of this system — including bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons — give structure to our bodies and coordinate movement.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, also known as physiatrists, take a holistic look at how the different parts of this system are working together. We conduct a thorough assessment of each child’s needs before creating an individualized care plan designed to help children be more successful in their day-to-day lives.

Families turn to us because we offer:

Tailored therapies that engage children through play. Our medical treatment programs help children improve functional outcomes — the skills and behaviors helpful for everyday living — in an encouraging, playful and positive way. We support your child’s ability to achieve benchmarks such as increased independence, more efficient gait, better comfort and positioning, and improved ability to feed and socialize. Learn more about our services.

A team approach. Your child will be the center of a team (including your family) that joins forces to maximize mobility and function. We work closely with specialists across Mary Bridge Children’s to coordinate treatment and provide optimal care. Often, we can schedule appointments so patients can visit several specialists on the same day.

Comprehensive care through partnership. We work closely with the Therapy Services team to facilitate access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy and other services. We also partner with therapy providers within your child’s school and community to provide comprehensive care.

Seamless care as children grow. Our patients see the same providers for years, and our dedicated team of board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners knows each family well. When it’s time to transition from the pediatric to the adult environment, we partner with MultiCare’s physiatry team and the MultiCare Adult Developmental Clinic to help guide you through this complex process as smoothly as possible.

We serve children on a referral basis. Initial appointments typically last 60 minutes. On the day of your appointment, please arrive 15 minutes early to allow ample time for checking in and filling out necessary paperwork. The following information can help you plan for your visit.

Initial and follow-up appointments

At your first appointment, your child’s doctor will take a detailed health history and perform a physical exam. Depending on your child’s situation, further diagnostic testing may be necessary. After evaluating your child, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan and refer you to additional resources as needed.

Preparing for your appointment

Following these tips can help you get the most out of your appointment:

Obtain medical records. Ask your child’s primary care provider to send chart notes, X-rays and any lab results regarding your child’s condition. If tests were performed outside of Mary Bridge Children’s or MultiCare, please bring these with you.

Bring a list of prescription drugs. Include all medications, vitamins and supplements your child is taking.

Discuss the upcoming visit if your child is developmentally ready. A first appointment typically consists of a medical history and physical exam.

Arrange care for siblings. If you are unable to arrange care, please ensure other children can engage in a quiet activity so you can focus on the visit.

Arrive 15 minutes early. Being early ensures adequate time for checking in and filling out any necessary paperwork. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we may have to reschedule your appointment.

Turn off cellphones and pagers. It’s easier for both you and the specialist to focus on your child when communication devices are switched off. This also helps maintain a calm, quiet environment for all patients.