Pediatric Mobility Issues in Bozeman

Pediatric Mobility & Walking Difficulties

Helping Children Improve Balance, Coordination, and Independence

Is your child struggling with walking, balance, or overall mobility? Difficulties with movement can impact a child’s ability to participate in daily activities, play with peers, and navigate different environments safely. Whether due to muscle weakness, neurological conditions, or developmental delays, early intervention can help children build the strength and coordination needed for greater independence.

At Root Pediatrics in Bozeman, we specialize in helping children improve their mobility, gait mechanics, and posture. Our personalized therapy plans focus on strengthening muscles, improving balance, and increasing confidence in movement.

Signs of Pediatric Mobility & Walking Difficulties

Children experiencing mobility challenges may show signs such as:

  • Walking on toes or with an unusual gait pattern
  • Frequent tripping, stumbling, or falling
  • Difficulty maintaining balance when standing or walking
  • Poor coordination when climbing stairs, running, or jumping
  • Weakness or fatigue during physical activities
  • Need for assistive devices such as orthotics, braces, or walkers

How Our Therapy Helps

We use evidence-based techniques to improve mobility, stability, and overall movement patterns, helping children become more confident and independent in their daily lives.

Gait Training & Walking Mechanics
  • Correcting walking patterns to improve balance and stability
  • Strengthening lower body muscles for better endurance
  • Teaching efficient movement strategies for walking, running, and stair climbing
Balance & Coordination Therapy
  • Enhancing core and leg strength for improved postural control
  • Developing better coordination for sports, playground activities, and daily movement
  • Preventing falls and injuries through improved motor control
Foot & Posture Management
  • Addressing flat feet, toe-walking, or other foot positioning issues
  • Improving posture to reduce strain and discomfort
  • Assessing the need for orthotic support, braces, or mobility aids

Why Early Support Matters

Children with mobility challenges may struggle with everyday activities and social participation. Early therapy can:

  • Improve walking efficiency and reduce fatigue
  • Prevent long-term movement difficulties
  • Increase confidence in physical activities
  • Reduce fall risks and enhance overall safety
Get Support for Your Child Today

If your child is experiencing difficulties with mobility, walking, or balance, professional therapy can make a lasting difference. At Root Pediatrics, we help children develop the strength and coordination needed to move with ease and confidence.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and support your child’s mobility development.

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Justine G.

Root Pediatrics has been wonderful! Their approach to PT for my 9 year old was amazing. Hannah listened well, really connected with my child, and made the PT fun. Anytime…

Liz S.

I had a fantastic experience with Root Therapy. I saw Kristi for a little over year after my knee injury. I find Kristi’s approach to be an excellent balance between…

Kezia Peterson

MOTR/L

Owner, Occupational Therapist

Kezia Peterson is an Occupational Therapist and founder of Root Therapy & Wellness. As a result of multiple car accidents, resulting in chronic back and neck pain, as well as migraines and vision concerns, she understands this impact that this has on an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, as well as work and play, and the mental challenges that can result from coping with pain on a daily basis.

Her understanding of pain has led her to pursue multiple different modalities of training, with the goal of helping her patients by meeting them where they are at, understanding their goals, and ensuring that they have the best team of providers to help them get to the root of their dysfunction in order to allow their systems to achieve healing from every level possible.

Clinical Focus Areas:

  • Upper extremity injuries
    • Hand/wrist/elbow/shoulder pain
    • Fractures
    • Arthritis
    • Sprains / Strains
  • Chronic pain
    • CRPS – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
    • Back/neck
    • Headaches / Migraines / Concussions
    • Abdominal pain

Education & Training

  • B.S in Psychology, North Dakota State University, 2003
  • M.S. in Occupational Therapy, University of Minnesota, 2009
  • Visceral Manipulation [VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4]
  • Myofascial Release
  • Craniosacral therapy [CS1, CS2]
  • Somato Emotional Practitioner Certification
  • Kezia is currently undertaking the certification process to become an SEP – a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This allows for her to support her patients in moving on from past traumas that may be contributing to their inability to move past pain patterns. She will complete her advanced level training and earn her certification in January 2024.