Pediatric PT Playbook

The Pediatric PT Playbook is a practical clinical guide for physical therapy students and early-career clinicians navigating pediatric practice.

School teaches theory. Pediatric settings demand clinical judgment.

This book was written to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world pediatric decision making. It focuses on how to think, prioritize, document, and communicate in pediatric physical therapy settings, not just what techniques to perform.

Designed for students entering pediatric rotations and clinicians early in their pediatric careers, this playbook addresses the challenges that are often left unstated in formal training. Unfocused evaluations. Unclear documentation. Anxiety around red flags. Uncertainty during clinical discussions. Feeling behind despite strong academic preparation.

This is not a traditional textbook. It is a clinical companion.

The Pediatric PT Playbook provides structured frameworks, examples, and guidance to support confident clinical reasoning across pediatric settings, including outpatient clinics, school-based practice, and interdisciplinary environments.

Whether you are preparing for your first pediatric rotation or transitioning into pediatric practice, this book is designed to help you move from observer to confident clinical contributor.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

This book is ideal for:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy students

• New graduate physical therapists

• Clinicians transitioning into pediatric practice

• Pediatric clinical instructors and educators

• Programs seeking a clinical readiness companion resource

Written by a pediatric physical therapist, educator, and researcher, The Pediatric PT Playbook reflects real clinical experience and the realities of pediatric practice. It was created to support the development of confident, thoughtful clinicians and to address the gap between classroom learning and pediatric clinical expectations.