Pediatric rehabilitation medicine (PRM) specialists, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions. As an advocate for family-centered care, the PRM physician promotes active participation of the child and family through evaluation and management of their disability. This active engagement increases their functional capacity and encourages self-advocacy. PRM involvement early in the life of the child, establishes family and care team relationships leading to the best care plan through adulthood. We champion the transdisciplinary approach, providing evidence-based and goal-directed care across all environments. PRM specialists extend beyond the medical system to partner with education, social, and community services. Our team-based approach allows children with physical disabilities to reach their highest potential and functional level.

The UF Health Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team provides rehabilitation services to children with complex medical and therapy needs in partnership with Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. Specialty services and clinics at Wolfson and the UF Health Pediatric Multispecialty Center care for children with severe disabilities such as cerebral palsy, brain and spinal cord injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. These services include Botulinum toxin injections for spasticity, Baclofen pump management and bracing. The comprehensive rehabilitation team at Brooks serves children with severe physical and cognitive injuries in an inpatient setting.

Physicians and staff evaluate and treat children diagnosed with:

• Brachial plexus palsy
• Brain injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Early identification of cerebral palsy and related disorders
• Gait abnormalities due to neuromuscular disorders
• Genetic disorders
• Muscle tone abnormalities
• Physically disabling conditions
• Prematurity
• Spasticity and movement disorders
• Spina bifida
• Spinal cord injuries
• Stroke
• Torticollis

Spasticity Management and Rehabilitation Team (SMART)

The Spasticity Management and Rehabilitation Team (SMART), a collaboration between the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville and Wolfson Children's Hospital Rehabilitation, offers a team of medical specialists who work together to treat spasticity and other movement disorders in children. Following comprehensive evaluation by the clinic team, each family will receive an individualized care plan for their child. Goals are to increase mobility, function, independence, and reduce pain. SMART team members include:

• Triple Board-certified pediatric rehabilitation medicine physiatrists and advanced practice practitioners who specialize in pediatric rehabilitation medicine
• Pediatric physical therapists and occupational therapists
• Social worker
• Nurse care coordinator

Treatment options include:

• Oral medications
• Botulinum toxin injections for spasticity
• Baclofen pump consultation and management
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy referral
• Orthotics and serial casting referral
• Coordination with pediatric neurosurgeons for selective dorsal rhizotomy evaluation
• Coordination with pediatric orthopedic surgeons