Defeating Developmental Delays

Covenant Health Therapy Center Helps Little Patients Grow Strong

At the age of 10 months, baby Noah Glenn wasn’t hitting the developmental milestones typical for his age. He couldn’t sit up, crawl, roll over or stand by himself.

The grinning and energetic baby boy seemed perfectly healthy otherwise. Still, the developmental delays were enough cause for concern to warrant some special attention.

Noah’s pediatrician suggested physical therapy, leading the family to Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell. There, Noah found a new friend in physical therapist Lauren Wilson, PT.

Physical therapy changed Noah’s life. It didn’t happen overnight, though. “He literally screamed at me for two weeks before he finally accepted we had work to do,” Wilson says. Patience, persistence, kindness and skill helped Wilson get her little patient moving in the right direction.

Physical Therapy for Babies and Children

Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell has facilities and equipment that are just right for the youngest patients. Wilson has a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping children grow with strength and mobility.

“What I love about working with kids is the level of creativity you have to bring to the table to make work seem like play in order to accomplish their goals,” she says.

Wilson’s creative and skilled approach turns the process into an engaging and playful activity. For Noah, it meant physical therapy could be more fun and less intimidating.

“They genuinely care and they genuinely work with these children,” says Noah’s mother, Jacqueline Glenn. “I’ve watched Lauren do it from day one. She was amazing.”

Meanwhile, Wilson worked with the family so the physical therapy could continue at home. Family involvement ensured that Noah continued to strengthen his muscles even outside the therapy sessions, setting him up for success.

Pediatric Physical Therapy Works

“By 10 months, a child should be nearing the ability to walk,” Wilson explains. “But Noah wasn’t even sitting up independently.” Despite the early struggles, Noah’s progress happened quickly once physical therapy got fully underway. In just a couple of months he made dramatic progress and his mom marveled at the change in her son.

“He started crawling, standing up and eventually walking,” she says with enthusiasm. “Now he gets up by himself and he just goes!”

Once Noah could stand and walk, it was time for physical therapy to come to a close. It was a meaningful moment for his mother.

“When she discharged Noah, I cried. I’m like, ‘thank you,'” Jacqueline recalls, her voice filled with emotion.

Noah is now growing and thriving like any little boy his age. “We call him Tigger because he likes to bounce to holy heavens,” Jacqueline says.

He loves to laugh and play and he loves be near his big brother, who is his chief motivator and strongest supporter. With a big smile and plenty of energy, Noah is ready to go and ready to grow.

Our Services

Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell is a department of Claiborne Medical Center. Physical therapists there offer a wide range of specialty services including:

– Lymphedema treatment

– Stroke rehabilitation

– Big and Loud (a specialty for Parkinson’s disease)

– Treatment for vertigo

– Postoperative care for orthopedic conditions such as joint replacement and muscle/tendon repair

A doctor’s referral isn’t necessary for an assessment. For information or to schedule a first appointment, call 423-626-1811.