How Do Physical Therapists Assess Neonatal Disorders?
Assessment is a crucial component of the PT's role. They use a variety of standardized tools and observational techniques to evaluate the infant's motor skills, muscle tone, and reflexes. This may involve observing the infant's spontaneous movements, as well as handling the baby to assess muscle strength and joint range of motion. These assessments help in identifying conditions such as hypotonia, hypertonia, or developmental delays.
