Pediatric Physical Therapy serving Fairfax, Virginia
Our Pediatric Physical Therapists take great pride in enhancing children and families’ quality of life by improving a child’s strength, balance, mobility, and facilitating age-appropriate gross motor skills. They also assist with reducing or eliminating pain with any of the above.
Our Pediatric Physical Therapists use evidence based techniques to address posture, breathing, movement patterns, tone related challenges, and improve gross motor skills. Through tailored activities, they aim to improve independence, mobility, and participation at home, school, and in the community.
We have two locations to serve you in Fairfax, Virginia
Children in Fairfax, VA who need pediatric physical therapy deserve more than a standard sports medicine office. Our Falls Church clinic offers specialized pediatric PT focused on gross motor development, balance, coordination, and functional movement in children from infancy through adolescence.
Families from Fair Oaks, Mantua, and Greenbriar access our clinic easily via 1-66 and Route 50, and our PTs work closely with families to build strength and movement skills that last.
We created a Herndon location to better serve our families in Fairfax and Loudon counties. It is conveniently located just off of I-267 and is easily accessed by local roads and the interstate. Parking is free and easily accessible.
Address: 433A Carlisle Drive, Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: 703.536.1817
Email: info@gbtherapy.org
Please enter your address here to map the distance to our Falls Church location and here to map the distance to our Herndon location. You may be technically closer to one office but have easier access to the other based on driving conditions in the DMV. When you call our office our intake staff will help you determine the best one for you!
Fairfax is a dynamic city with a mix of historic charm and modern conveniences. Known for its vibrant downtown area, excellent schools, and beautiful parks such as Van Dyck Park and Fairfax City Park, it offers a welcoming environment for families and professionals alike.
Fairfax is conveniently located between both Falls Church and Herndon, with easy access via Route 50 and I-66. Whether you’re traveling from central Fairfax or nearby neighborhoods, either office is within a short drive, and our team can guide you in choosing the most convenient one.
We have proudly served the Fairfax community for over 30 years, building strong relationships with local families. Our dedicated team continues to provide high-quality care and looks forward to many more years of serving the Fairfax area.
We also serve families from Oakton, Annandale, and Falls Church. Visit our Falls Church location page for directions and hours.
Full Tour of Herndon Office
What does pediatric physical therapy treat or manage?
Pediatric physical therapy is aimed at addressing a wide range of challenges that children may face in their daily lives. Here are some common areas that pediatric physical therapy can treat or manage:
- Infant Development: pediatric physical therapists are experts in the developmental skills of infants, month by month from birth through their first birthday; they facilitate achievement of these milestones through developmental exercises
- Torticollis-asymmetry at the neck that affects how a baby moves their head, looks at objects and achieves gross motor skills
- Plagiocephaly-asymmetry in skull shape that starts in early infancy due to positioning and lack of mobility
- Gross Motor Skills: Physical Therapists are experts in movement task analysis as well as what is expected for age. They watch a child move and identify which muscles and movement motor plans need to be retrained.
- Balance: improving general balance during functional movement as well as for specific tasks such as standing on one leg and hopping
- Gait: pediatric physical therapists analyze how a child is walking and how to improve speed, quality of movement, efficiency, and reduce pain.
- Sensory Processing: our pediatric physical therapists are also trained in supporting children’s sensory development to facilitate their progress with PT goals.
- Equipment: pediatric physical therapists are knowledgeable about equipment used to support mobility goals such as orthotics, walkers, postural supports, and other assistive devices
Overall, pediatric pediatric therapy aims to improve children’s independence, mobility, and overall quality of life in home, school, and community settings.
Does my child need Physical Therapy?
Pediatric Physical Therapy may be beneficial for children who experience challenges or delays in various areas of development that impact their ability to participate in daily activities.
Some indicators that your child might benefit from physical therapy include:
- They’re not meeting developmental milestones for their age group.
- They struggle with motor skills like tummy time, rolling, sitting, crawling, or taking steps
- They have an asymmetry at the neck, face, or skull (torticollis &/or plagiocephaly)
- They have difficulty with gross motor skills such as navigating stairs, jumping, climbing play equipment, and kicking, catching, or throwing a ball
- They have balance challenges, including stepping over objects, standing on one leg, hopping, and navigating unsteady surfaces
- They have challenges with gait (walking); this includes moving slower for age, tripping easily, being unable to run, or toe-walking
- They have postural challenges such as slouching when sitting, looking asymmetrical from side to side, or have an excessive arch in their lower back.
- They have endurance issues when keeping up with children their age-are out of breath, seem weaker, become tired and need to rest more easily
- They complain of pain in any of their muscles, joints, or bones.
When is the best time to get pediatric physical therapy?
The ideal time to pursue pediatric physical therapy is the moment you notice a concern. An evaluation will assess your child’s function, identify if therapy is needed, and help set goals. Since development is a continuous journey, obtaining information and assistance early on can only benefit your child!
Physical therapy might be beneficial for your child if you notice any of the following:
- They seem to be falling behind on reaching the typical milestones for their age, starting with infancy.
- If you notice any asymmetry at the skull or neck and how they move
- They struggle with basic motor skills, like balance, coordination, ball skills (catching, throwing, kicking)
- They are toe-walking or have other visible challenges when walking.
- Navigating the playground is a challenge for them.
- School is reporting they are not keeping up with their peers.
- They complain of pain in their muscles, bones, and joints.
- If your child has specific conditions affecting their muscles, bones, nerves, cognition, or genetics—such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, injuries, surgeries, or muscular dystrophy—physical therapy could be particularly beneficial.
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What other Happy Familes have to say
Questions about how pediatric physical therapy can help your child succeed?
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Amy O’Malley
Director Of Programming
How is Good Beginnings Pediatric Therapy Different from other Clinics?
1-on-1 Treatment Session
We do not use support staff or paraprofessionals. Your child is working directly with your therapist the entire session.
Helping families for over 34 years
Independently female owned and operated, we have been successful helping multiple generations of families.
Help Beyond Treatment Sessions
We support you at the treatment session and beyond. We collaborate with other team members, clinicians, and your school at your request.
100+ years of combined experience
Our therapists possess extensive training, experience, and longevity in the field. Our team includes both recent graduates with the latest knowledge and seasoned therapists with over 25+ years of experience.
Flexible Schedule and Billing Options
Our scheduling and billing teams are here to maximize your time with your therapist and guide you through the complexities of insurance. make everything easy so you can focus on your child.
Supporting the Community
We educate and empower the community beyond the clinic through free talks, professional training, and sharing our expertise on social media.
FAQ
Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on helping children develop the skills needed for daily activities, such as self-care, play, and school tasks. OTs work on fine motor skills, sensory processing, executive function abilities, self-regulation and social interactions to improve a child’s independence and participation in daily life. In contrast, Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT) primarily addresses gross motor skills, mobility, strength, and balance. PTs help children with movement challenges due to conditions such as injuries, developmental delays, or neurological disorders, aiming to improve their physical function and overall quality of life. While both disciplines aim to enhance children’s well-being, OT focuses on activities and participation, while PT emphasizes movement and physical function.
We accept credit cards* (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, HSA Cards) and checks. Most families prefer to securely store their credit card on file for automated monthly payments. Online payments can be made through this link.
Payment by checks can be given directly to your therapist or mailed to PO Box 679 Smithsburg, MD 21783.
*Note, a 3% processing fee applies to all credit card payments.
We work with many insurances and have a Billing Department to assist. We can submit claims, provide bills, and assist you with maximizing your insurance coverage. Please contact us at 703.536.1817 to learn how we work with your insurance. We do not work with Medicaid at this time.
What’s in the Fairfax, Virginia Community?
Fairfax, Virginia features many highlights for residents.
Fairfax is an independent city in Northern Virginia, known for its historical significance, cultural vibrancy, and thriving local economy. Situated just outside Washington, DC, Fairfax offers a mix of suburban comfort and urban accessibility, making it a desirable place to live and work.
Some attractions include:
- The National Firearms Museum
- Historic Fairfax Courthouse
- The Fairfax City Regional Library
- Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim
- Van Dyck Park and its family-friendly amenities
- The lively Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Fairfax played a pivotal role during the American Civil War, serving as the site of the first land battle of the war, the Battle of Fairfax Court House, in 1861. The city’s historic courthouse was a focal point during this time, symbolizing Fairfax’s strategic importance.
The Fairfax City school system, supported by Fairfax County Public Schools, is widely recognized for its commitment to innovation and excellence. Its programs emphasize STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, preparing students for future success in a competitive world.
Fairfax boasts a rich cultural scene, from bustling farmers’ markets to community festivals like the annual Fall Festival and Chocolate Lovers Festival, which draw visitors from across the region. These events celebrate the city’s heritage and bring the community together.
Good Beginnings Therapy has been proudly serving the Fairfax, Virginia community for over 25 years. We are honored to have connected with countless families and individuals, and we remain dedicated to supporting Fairfax’s vibrant community for many more years to come.
