Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) at The Matheny School is an integral part of the educational program helping each student to move to the best of his or her ability, develop coordination, build endurance, improve balance, and optimize their physical level of functioning and mobility.

Our physical therapists collaborate closely with our occupational therapists, educators, school nurse, and other specialists on the student’s school team to develop goals to address the functional activities that help each child access education and navigate the environment. This “push-in” approach where therapy takes place in the classroom with teachers and therapists continuously consulting with each other promotes consistency and reinforces both therapeutic and educational strategies for optimal student learning.

PT takes place both inside and outside the classroom with individualized goals for each student in such areas as functional mobility, movement and strengthening, improving range of motion, coordination, positioning, the use of adaptive equipment, bracing, and appropriate positioning to enhance access to technology. A broad array of resources, equipment, and environmental adaptations are employed to facilitate fun and meaningful engagement.

Physical therapists also work with students during community experiences as well as during transition placements to support the carryover of skills across these environments.

Additional Physical Therapy Services may include:

Gait training
Adaptive Seating and Mobility Equipment Assessments
Aquatic Therapy
Physical Therapy Aide Programs
- Adapted Bicycle Riding Programs
- Standing Programs
- Alternate Positioning Programs
- Walking Programs
Training for families to ensure carryover of skills, appropriate positioning and use of equipment
Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)
Orthotic devices / splinting
Horseback Riding

All of The Matheny School physical therapists are licensed and certified by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as Credentialed Clinical Instructors and they are certified by the New Jersey Department of Education as School Physical Therapists.