When children face physical challenges due to injury, developmental delays, or neurological conditions, pediatric physical therapy (PT) plays a vital role in helping them gain strength, improve mobility, and build independence. More than just exercises, pediatric PT empowers children and enhances their overall quality of life.
The Role of Trust in Therapy
Kelly Hidalgo, PT, MPT, PCS, team lead at Wolfson Children's at Southeast Georgia Health System, emphasizes that building trust with families is foundational to effective therapy. “Whenever I meet a family for the first time, my number one goal is to build trust with them. And I listen,” she says.
Therapy goals are tailored to each child—whether that’s walking independently, using a wheelchair, or communicating through a device. The therapist becomes a long-term partner in the child’s journey, providing emotional support as well as physical care.
Tailored Goals Over “Standardized” Metrics
While standardized tests are used to track development, Hidalgo prioritizes a personalized approach. She assesses each child’s current abilities and emotional readiness to set realistic, step-by-step milestones. “It’s very tailored to what the child is presenting to me right now and what a child is comfortable with,” she explains. “I have to consider the whole child—how they respond emotionally, what they can tolerate, and what they’re doing in other therapies.”
Chris Moncus
Kelly Hidalgo & Winnie
Kelly Hidalgo, PT, MPT, PCS, pediatric physical therapist with Winiferd and Keith Locket and their sons, Braxton and Kaiden.
Collaboration and Co-Treatment for Best Results
A key strength of the Wolfson Children’s team is their collaborative environment. Therapists from different specialties work closely together, often co-treating in sessions. This means, for instance, a physical therapist may assist with positioning while a speech therapist works on language skills—all within the same session.
Winiferd “Winnie” Lockett, a foster parent who has cared for 25 children since 2014, praises this collaborative support. “I can make a phone call or just stop by the office and say, ‘Hey, I have concerns.’ It spans from physical therapy to occupational to speech,” she says. “The support system at Wolfson Children’s at Southeast Georgia Health System is exceptional.”
She also highlights the importance of teamwork in managing complex issues, like feeding difficulties in young children. “You think a two-year-old could eat French fries and chicken nuggets, but some have a hard time with that. It’s all tied in together.”
Patience and Parental Involvement
Lockett advises parents to be patient with their child’s progress. “You didn’t gain weight overnight, and you’re not going to lose it overnight, the same is true with gaining skills during therapy.” she analogizes. “When you put your child in a therapy session, be involved. Don’t just sit there and think the therapist will take care of everything. Be invested so you can continue the work at home.”
With the right blend of patience, personalized care, and collaboration, pediatric physical therapy can help children reach their fullest potential—one small, meaningful step at a time.
To learn more about the services provided at Wolfson Children’s at Southeast Georgia Health System, visit sghs.org/pedrehab.
