Gross motor skills are movements of the large muscles in the torso, legs and arms. Running, jumping, climbing, throwing, catching, kicking, lifting and walking are examples of gross motor skills.
What is school-based physical therapy?
School-based physical therapy services are designed to ensure that the student is able to paticipate in his/her educational programming with regard to gross motor functional independence. School-based physical therapy is provided only if a medical diagnosis or gross motor delay is determined by the IEP team to have an adverse effect on the student’s performance at school or a student has a 504 that determines a gross motor need. Children who qualify for clinical or out-patient physical therapy services may not qualify for school-based PT.
The main goals of school-based physical therapy are to improve strength, balance, coordination and/or mobility.