What aspect of a child's development does Physical Therapy (PT) primarily address?

Physical Therapy (PT) primarily addresses the usage of muscles, nerves, bones, and joints, which is crucial for promoting physical development and functional movement in children. By focusing on the musculoskeletal system, PT aims to improve a child's strength, coordination, balance, and overall physical abilities. This can include exercises, manual therapy, and interventions designed to enhance mobility and support motor skills.

While cognitive skills, sensory integration, and fine motor skills can also be influenced by physical health, they are not the direct focus of physical therapy. Cognitive skills pertain to mental processes like thinking and understanding, sensory integration involves the processing of sensory information, and fine motor skills are specifically about the coordination of small muscle movements. PT primarily aims to address the foundational physical aspects needed for a child's active participation in various activities, thus ensuring that children can move effectively and comfortably in their environment.