Pediatric Rehabilitation Program

What Services are Offered?

The National Jewish Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Program consists of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Recreation Therapy and Speech Language Pathology (Speech Therapy).

These programs are for the evaluation and treatment of children with asthma, cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiencies, rheumatologic conditions, swallowing disorders, voice disorders, vocal cord dysfunction, chronic cough, and other pulmonary diseases.

Click here for a more comprehensive description of National Jewish Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Services.

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What is the Program’s Goal?

Our goal is to enable any child to lead a full and satisfying life within his/her family, school, and community. This goal is achieved through the recognition, assessment, and the treatment and management of symptoms and limitations arising from chronic illness.

What are the Program’s Objectives?

• Increase cardiopulmonary endurance.
• Improve muscle strength and endurance.
• Improve ability to participate in daily activities in home, school and community.
• Increase and encourage continued participation in physical education, leisure and fitness activities.
• Improve awareness of abdominal breathing, voice control and/or swallowing.

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When Should I Consider Getting a Referral?

You may want to consider getting a referral to the National Jewish Health Pediatric Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program if your child has:

• History of exercise induced asthma (bronchospasm)
• Inability to exercise due to deconditioning
• Muscle weakness/fatigue
• Poor pacing and self-monitoring skills
• History of oral steroid use or frequent burst of steroids
• Osteoporosis or risk factors for osteoporosis
• Gait abnormalities
• Orthopedic dysfunction’s
• Postural Abnormalities
• Pain that limits motion and/or function
• Problems with coordination
• Developmental delays
• Cognitive school issues
• Vocational issues
• Leisure issues
• Decreasing ability to complete activities of daily living
• Choking / coughing while eating
• Food refusal
• Difficulty being understood by teachers or peers