Physical and Occupational Therapy

Important Change to Hospital Visitation Policy

Effective October 19, 2009, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital will no longer allow non-patient visitors or family members under the age of 16 years to visit in the hospital. This policy will be in effect during the height of the flu season, usually lasting until spring, and will be re-evaluated at that time. Learn more about the visitation policy change / Lea más acerca del cambio en las normas de visitas.

 

Inpatient Services 725 Welch Road, 3rd Floor Palo Alto, CA  94304   Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm    Inpatient appointments: (650) 497-8218  Inpatient fax (referrals): (650) 497-8491

Outpatient Services 2345 Yale St. Palo Alto, CA  94306   Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm    Outpatient appointments: (650) 855-8808 Outpatient fax (referrals): (650) 855-8867

 

New Patients

Please complete this form English / Spanish (PDF) and bring it to your child's first physical or occupational therapy appointment.

Physical Therapy Services

Pediatric Physical Therapy focuses on the evaluation and treatment of children with health problems resulting from injury, disease, or congenital conditions, with an emphasis on movement dysfunction. 

Pediatric Physical Therapy at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital evaluates and treats children from birth through adolescence. We specialize in:

• Assisting children in regaining vital mobility skills after surgery or injury
• Preventing deconditioning through monitored exercise
• Instructing in pain management techniques, such as biofeedback and relaxation
• Teaching use of artificial limbs and other assistive devices such as crutches, walkers or wheelchairs
• Assessing need for braces or orthotics
• Fabricating of lower extremity splints and casts
• Educating children about risks, injury prevention and exercise guidelines for their specific condition
• Assessing developmental needs of children starting at birth
• Assisting children who have chronic disabilities become more functional and independent

In addition, we teach prenatal and postnatal exercises to expecting or new mothers and make appropriate referrals to community agencies, and help your child transition to these agencies smoothly.
 
Why do I need a Pediatric Physical or Occupational Therapist?
Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists are rehabilitation professionals who are trained in all stages of child development; they are highly qualified to address the special needs of children from birth through adolescence. Working with children every day, PT's and OT's are experts when it comes to motivating and challenging your child to improve his/her functional abilities. As your child progresses, your therapist will also teach you, as a parent, what to expect and how you can help your child at home.

What do I need to do if I think my child needs a pediatric Physical or Occupational Therapist?
Call your child's pediatrician and discuss your concerns with him/her. You can ask your physician for a referral for Physical or Occupational Therapy, then call us to set up an appointment!

We are an active participant in specialty clinics such as:

• Center for Down Syndrome
• Dermatology / Epidermolysis Clinic
• Developmental and Behavioral Unit
• Hemophilia Clinic
• Muscular Dystrophy Clinic
• Pain Clinic
• Rheumatology Clinic

Physical Therapy Staff

• Eilish Byrne, MS PT, PCS
• Richard Gee, MS PT - Supervisor
• Karen Kaufman, BS PT
• Joann Kwong, DPT
• Amanda McAloon, DPT
• Alice McNeils, MS, PT
• Ngayin Ngai, DPT
• Jackie Nillasca, DPT
• Chris Rowell, MS PT
• Susan Spence, MA PT
• Debbie Tong, MA PT 
• Jessica Tweed, DPT
• Amy Weisman, MS PT
• Jody Winzelberg, AuD - Director of Rehabilitative Services
• Leah Zialcita, DPT

Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapy Services (OT) at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital focus on the physical as well as the psychosocial needs of our pediatric patients. Areas OTs address include:

• Dysphagia/Swallowing disorder
• Upper extremity strength and range of motion
• Sensory integration
• Equipment needs assessment
• Endurance training and energy conservation
• Upper extremity splinting and casting
• Visual perceptual rehabilitation
• Relaxation and guided imagery for pain and nausea management
• Family training
• Developmental assessments
• Community resources

Occupational Therapy Staff

• Maria Bonsall, OTR/L
• Ann Brownstone, MS, OTR/L
• Jennifer Chan, OTR/L
• Eiri Inenaga, MS, OTR/L
• Janis Kitsuwa-Lowe, MA, OTR/L
• Heather McKersie, OTR/L
• Michelle Merget, BS OTR/L
• Allison Ong, MS, OTR/L
• Sandra Rizzuto, OTR/L
• Anne Sinha, MOT, OTR/L
• Marianna Thorn, OTR/L - Inpatient Therapy Supervisor
• Helen Tong, MA OTR/L
• Annette van Boldrik, OTR/L
• Sarah Willhalm, MS, OTR/L
• Tyler Wilson, OTR/L, CHT
• Jody Winzelberg, AuD - Director of Rehabilitative Services

Meet Our Patients

Alexandre Acra After Alexandre Acra cut his forearm on a broken window, the Pediatric Emergency Department, Hand and Upper Limb team, and Occupational Therapy all contributed to a successful surgery and recovery.