Supporting Children and Families Through Expert Pediatric Physical Therapy

Sarah Fox is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and the founder and owner of Lighthouse Pediatric Physical Therapy, a clinic focused on pediatric pelvic health and solutions for childhood bowel and bladder concerns. She has practiced pediatric physical therapy for over a decade and specialized in pediatric pelvic health since around 2016.

In an exclusive interview with Medical Care Review, Fox shared her invaluable insights regarding the developments within the industry, the prevailing challenges as well as the possible solutions.

From your professional experience, what are the most significant challenges children and families face today in accessing high-quality pediatric physical therapy services?

Finding an expert provider who fits your needs can be difficult. At Lighthouse Pediatric Physical Therapy, our team has over 25 years combined experience in pediatrics. We see clients in person & virtually in many states.

How do you approach patient and family engagement and trust -building, particularly when working with young children and supporting caregivers throughout the treatment process?

Pediatric pelvic therapy is sensitive. Clients need an expert provider who explains, informs & meets them where they are in their journey. At Lighthouse, our team is comforting, helpful & knowledgeable. Our clients feel calm & hopeful from the first conversation with our team. Our clinic is relaxed, inviting and clients are met with a smile & a provider who is ready to help. Throughout the sessions clients & familys see progress and have a clear path forward to goal achievement. Our teams warmth, compassion & fun spirited personalities are able to connect with children and this allows them the feel calm, safe & heard.

What core clinical principles, developmental frameworks, or evidence-based practices guide your day-to-day clinical decision-making in pediatric physical therapy?

Our care is driven by evidence-based practices and our experience of over 25 years in pediatrics helps guide us to solutions for families, we have seen it all. I founded the pelvic therapy program at #1 Cincinnati Childrens Hospital in 2016, and along with all Lighthouse providers we spent over a decade there serving families. This gave our current team roots like no other and has set us apart as leading experts in pediatric pelvic therapy.

Are there common misconceptions parents or caregivers have about pediatric physical therapy that you feel are important to address?

Pediatric pelvic therapy is different than adult pelvic therapy. Pediatric care is non-invasive and does not include internal interventions.

What general advice would you offer to parents or guardians who are seeking pediatric physical therapy services for their child for the first time?

You want an expert provider in this area. At Lighthouse, our team has been the leading experts in pediatric pelvic therapy for over 10 years and we see clients in person & virtually in many states across the country.