Carol Bettendorf

There are some concepts that I have about Pediatric Physical Therapy that I believe and follow. Each child is special and deserves our love and respect, as well as the fun and enjoyment we can have in treatment. I want to provide the services that will enable the child to reach his/her optimal motor potential. During the course of my career, many new treatment techniques have been developed. My therapy is firmly grounded in the traditional pediatric physical therapy techniques, however, if I thought that a new technique would help a child’s progress, I brought the child to a consult with a therapist who knew the technique, then I learned the technique myself. I have wound up with strong traditional therapy skills and many additional skills.

“Each child is special and deserves our love and respect, as well as the fun and enjoyment we can have in treatment.”

I think that some pediatric cases are complex and it is useful to have different therapists consult on treatment. Another therapist might suggest something that could be useful for the child. I do consults with other physical therapists and with other disciplines who are seeing the child, for example counselors, speech or occupational therapists.

I practiced Pediatric Physical Therapy with the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL), first with severely handicapped children and then in their Early Intervention program. When the SEDOL Early Intervention program closed, I invited other therapists to join me in a private practice so that we could continue to be able to work closely with each other. We have similar philosophies about treatment in our clinic and really enjoy working together. Also, along the way, I taught Pediatric Physical Therapy at the Chicago Medical School, stopping teaching when we opened our clinic and I no longer had time available.

I feel so privileged to work with special children and enjoy the families and therapists in my life.