Pediatric Physiatry Referral Guidelines

The Physiatry department (physical medicine and rehabilitation) at Valley Children’s specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children with neurological, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. We work closely with a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, neuropsychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, clinical dietitians and others to develop a comprehensive care plan for patients. We see patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

We are one of only two pediatric facilities in California with an Inpatient Rehabilitation Center accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation and Pediatric Specialty. Physiatry is an integral component of this expert team of professionals.

Please send any MRI of brain and/or spinal cord injury reports, and any physical, occupational, or speech therapy reports.

The following patients should be referred to a pediatric physiatrist:

• Abnormal/involuntary movement disorders
• Cerebral palsy - spasticity or dystonia management
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic/anoxic brain injury
• Gait disturbances related to hypertonia
• Stroke
• Adaptive sports
• Botox injections
• Orthotic management
• Assistance with adaptive equipment
• Transverse myelitis
• Guillain-Barre syndrome

• Electromyography (EMG) for polyneuropathies and peripheral nerve injuries

   

Download these physiatry referral guidelines as a PDF