Confidence in Motion: Highlighting Patients' Power Through Physical Therapy

Shriners Children’s Boston is spotlighting our physical therapy team to highlight the important contributions they make to patient care.

Movement turns into meaningful moments by physical therapists at Shriners Children’s Boston, as staff help children heal by connecting with each patient through their favorite activities and interests. A physical therapist's focus is to help children develop tools and recover skills they had before an injury or surgery.

Each child receives a personalized care plan based on their specific needs, goals and differences. “Treatment plans are very individualized, depending on what the child was doing before their injury and the goals of the patient and family,” said Hilary Smith, physical therapist at Shriners Children’s Boston. The strategies developed by the physical therapy team are based on a combination of factors, explained Lori Connolly, DPT, PT, director, therapeutic services. “The team determines a child's current or potential challenges based on their injury and medical status. We work closely with hospital staff and their family or caregiver to determine the best course of treatment,” Lori said.

As the longest-running American Burn Association pediatric verified burn center in New England, the physical therapists at Shriners Children’s Boston see a large population of burn survivors. Burns can impact soft tissue, muscles and joints, causing difficulties with movement. “Physical therapy is vital to the recovery of children who sustain burn injuries as we focus on whole-body healing,” Lori said, noting her team uses exercises to support wound healing, build strength, improve mobility and manage scar tissue.

Michelle is a Shriners Children’s Boston patient and a burn survivor who has benefited from treatment provided by the physical therapy team. She arrived in Boston when she was 9 after sustaining third-degree burns following a kitchen accident in her native Belize. In the early stages of Michelle’s burn care, she had daily physical therapy appointments focused on movement from the tips of her fingers to the bottoms of her feet. Physical therapists helped Michelle walk again and improved her balance in bright, mural-filled spaces that foster positivity and encouragement. “When I was working on my legs during physical therapy, I would go up the stairs, and I loved seeing the paintings,” said Michelle. She also said staff used clay during sessions to help improve the function of her hands. “It was one of my favorite activities. The clay allowed me to practice movement with my fingers.”

As part of working at a pediatric hospital, clinicians make physical therapy fun but challenging. “We utilize games, toys, obstacle courses and bikes to imitate their favorite activities,” noted Lori. “Parents are also welcome and encouraged to join in to increase a patient's confidence and feeling of safety when working with a physical therapist.” Michelle often attends her physical therapy sessions with her mother. Having a parent or caregiver present during physical therapy sessions is beneficial because, in some cases, staff assign exercises to patients to continue their treatment plan outside the hospital. “Children need to have consistent practice and exposure for them to make meaningful progress,” Hilary said. “I try to make all of the exercises and interventions I give easy to incorporate into their everyday routine.”

For Michelle, who is a swimmer and diver, consistency comes when she’s back home, exploring the coral reefs. “Diving does help with my physical therapy. I remember when I started, I was putting on the wetsuit, and it was almost like a workout,” said Michelle. “When I’m swimming, I stretch out my muscles as well.”

Shriners Children's Boston physical therapists develop a special bond with patients like Michelle, as they work closely together for extended periods. “The physical therapy team has helped me let loose, go with the flow and have fun,” Michelle said. She has even developed a “sibling relationship” with Aimee Chiasson, DPT, PT, because the pair “share similar interests and the same sense of humor.” The close connection is not lost on Aimee. “We have a small hospital with a close-knit family feel. Seeing our patients get better and discharge back to their lives is so rewarding as a clinician,” said Aimee.

As a long-time physical therapy patient who has developed a close bond with staff, Michelle offers advice to fellow patients who may be nervous about upcoming appointments. “I remember when I had physical therapy on my shoulder, and I didn’t want to go because it was painful,” Michelle said. “But over time, it started to feel a lot better. Take it slowly, one day at a time.”