Therapy Services

Providing therapeutic care in a warm, kid-friendly environment where all equipment is scaled to match the size of the patient

Children’s Hospital’s Therapy Services provides an array of services including Audiology/Hearing, Speech-Language, Feeding, Swallowing as well as Physical and Occupational therapy services for children ages birth through 21.  All of our clinical staff have been specifically trained in the area of pediatrics and are certified by national professional organizations and/or state certification bodies providing your child the highest level of care. Treatment areas are kid-friendly and provide a warm, motivational environment complete with pediatric-scaled equipment.

Evaluation and treatment programs are provided for a variety of diagnoses and problem including:

• Prematurity
• Cerebral Palsy
• Spina Bifida
• Hydrocephalus
• Scoliosis/Kyphosis
• Learning Disabilities
• Torticollis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Toe Walking
• Feeding Dysfunction
• Developmental Delay
• Speech Language Impairment
• Fluency Disorders
• Dysphagia
• Voice Disorders
• Craniofacial Disorders
• Neuromotor Dysfunction
• Sensorimotor Dysfunction
• Head Injury
• Amputee/  Prosthetic Training
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Brachial Plexus Injury
• JRA
• Autism/PDD
• Hearing Loss

Speech and Language 

Speech-language pathologists are available to identify and treat children with speech and language delays, articulation disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, oral-motor problems, speech problems associated with cleft-palate, and disorders associated with hearing loss. 

Audiology

Early detection of hearing problems is critical for speech/language development, social integration, and academic progress. Clinical audiologists identify and evaluate children through a variety of comprehensive and age appropriate tests, which accurately assesses hearing in children of all ages, including infants. If hearing loss is detected, audiologists will assist the families with intervention services, as well as referrals for supportive services. 

Play Audiometry and Visual Reinforcement Audiometry may also be used to create a fun environment while obtaining information about your child’s hearing. Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response (ABR) or Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) may be used for testing children who are unable to behaviorally provide information.

Newborn Hearing Screenings 

Children’s Hospital at Erlanger offers an initial newborn hearing screening at birth who do not pass the hearing screen. The screening consists of several tests that identify conditions or problems. A newborn hearing screen can prevent many complications of hearing loss including: inability to communicate, trouble reading, difficulty learning, and social isolation. A screen can not tell you if your baby has hearing loss, but it will indicate the need for more comprehensive hearing test.

Swallowing & Feeding Therapy

Oral Motor therapy is also available for infants and children who experience difficulty in swallowing or a delay in the development of basic feeding skills. To aid in the diagnosis, Swallow Studies are performed in Children’s Radiology by a Pediatric Radiologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist. 

Feeding Therapy sessions are available in either individual or small group settings to address feeding aversions and delays. 

An oral sensory approach is used to introduce children to a wide variety of foods and expand a child’s food repertoire with a balance of fruits, vegetables, protein and starch. Feeding Therapy can also address problems children are having while transitioning from tube feeding to oral feeding. Our group sessions are a collaboration of speech and occupational therapy.

Physical Therapy 

Our therapists all have advanced training and certifications in pediatric physical therapy in order to provide your child the highest level of care.  Therapy directed “play” is the primary means used to help your child achieve his or her goals. Home programs are given to help promote gains throughout the families’ daily routine.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists serve children that have difficulties in the areas of fine motor skills, handwriting, visual motor control and sensory issues.  Our evaluations assess the children’s ability to perform activities within their daily routines such as feeding mechanics, dressing, play skills, cognitive skills, social skills, and behavior.  Our therapists are skilled in working with pediatric patients and have certifications in sensory integration. 

Service Providers

Children’s Therapy Services is a provider for Tennessee Early Intervention Services (TEIS) and provide services in the natural environment when possible.

Locations

Children’s Therapy Services provides care at several clinics at convenient locations across the Chattanooga region. 

Children’s Hospital at Erlanger
Main: 423-778-6488, option 1
Fax: 423-778-2275

Erlanger North Hospital
Main: 423-778-6031
Fax: 423-778-6032

Physician Orders

Required before services can be scheduled