The Importance of Therapy at Home

Being discharged from the hospital means your child can continue staying active and participating in their physical therapy activities.

The Importance of At-Home Physical Therapy Exercises

Research shows that progress depends on meaningful practice and increased repetitions, not just therapy sessions. Home exercises help your child practice skills more often; build strength, flexibility, and balance; maintain progress between therapy visits reach goals more quickly; and use newly learned skills in everyday situations.

Pediatric therapists use a model that includes—among other items—coaching and teaching parents and caregivers, and creating opportunities for practice at home.

Therapy Goals

Goals of therapy are for the child to:

  • Continue using their skills in everyday life
  • Maintain progress over time
  • Participate in activities that they enjoy
  • Stay active and engaged

Tips for Success

Make it part of your routine: Tie exercises to activities you already do.

Make it fun: Use games, toys, and favorite activities.

Keep it simple: A few minutes each day can make a difference.

Get the whole family involved: Children often participate more when others join them.

Celebrate progress: Recognize small achievements to help your child stay motivated.

Additional Resources for At-Home Physical Therapy

Making the Most of Therapy At Home: References

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Gmmash AS, Effgen SK, Skubik-Peplaski C, Lane JD. Parental adherence to home activities in early intervention for young children with delayed motor development. PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal. 2021;101(4):1-11. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzab023.

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Cope S, Mohn-Johnsen S. The effects of dosage time and frequency on motor outcomes in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. Developmental Neurorehabilitation. 2017;20(6):376-387. doi:10.1080/17518423.2017.1282053.

Rubsam Meaghan. The Benefits of Episodic Care in Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation. Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Published February 17, 2025. Accessed May 26, 2026. https://www.sralab.org/articles/blog/benefits-episodic-care-outpatient-pediatric-rehabilitation.

Hanson H, Harrington AT, Nixon-Cave K. Knowledge translation and implementation special series: Implementing treatment frequency and duration guidelines in a hospital-based pediatric outpatient setting: Administrative case report. Physical Therapy. 2015;95(4):678-684. doi:10.2522/ptj.20130360.

 Holt CJ, Mckay CD, Truong LK, Le CY, Gross DP, Whittaker JL. Sticking to it: A scoping review of adherence to exercise therapy interventions in children and adolescents with musculoskeletal conditions. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2020;50(9):503-515. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9715.

Ramírez-Pérez L, Moreno-Morales N. Identifying key factors in adherence and dropouts in active physiotherapy in children with acute leukemia: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. Healthcare (2227-9032). 2025;13(21):2766. doi:10.3390/healthcare13212766.

Gorgon EJR. Caregiver-provided physical therapy home programs for children with motor delay: A scoping review. Physical Therapy. 2018;98(6):480-493. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzy009.

Hu X, Ren J, Wang P, et al. Adherence to exercise therapy among children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A scoping review. Disability & Rehabilitation. 2024;46(8):1502-1514. doi:10.1080/09638288.2023.2200261.

Nematifard T, Norouzi Tabrizi K, Arsalani N, Fallahi-Khoshknab M, Borimnejad L. The barriers to family-centered care in the pediatric rehabilitation ward: A qualitative study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 2023;73:120-129. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2023.08.018.

Tanner L, Schorr E. Factors related to rehabilitation adherence in pediatric cancer: A systematic review. Rehabilitation Oncology. 2024;42(4):149-163. doi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000372.

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Stikeleather SJ, Simmons TM. Maintenance physical therapy: Consideration for a continuous practice paradigm for physical therapists. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. 2021;37(3):152-162. doi:10.1097/TGR.0000000000000321.

Orlin MN, Cicirello NA, O’Donnell AE, Doty AK. The continuum of care for individuals with lifelong disabilities: Role of the physical therapist. Physical Therapy. 2014;94(7):1043-1053. doi:10.2522/ptj.20130168.

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