Physical Therapy Clinics in Des Moines, IA
Physical Therapy Clinics in Des Moines, IA
- 1200 Pleasant St, Floor 1, Des Moines, IA 50309
- (515) 241-8550
- unitypoint.org
- Schroth-certified scoliosis management, serial casting for toe-walking, developmental physical therapy, and NICU/PICU transitions
- What they're known for: The flagship pediatric therapy site at Blank Children's Hospital, the hub of UnityPoint Health's children's services in central Iowa. With Schroth-certified scoliosis care and serial casting for toe-walking, plus clinic-based treatment paired with home programming, it's a strong choice for families whose child has complex, neurological, or co-occurring medical needs — including those transitioning out of the NICU or PICU.
- 6800 Lake Dr, Suite 270, West Des Moines, IA 50266
- (515) 225-6212
- unitypoint.org
- Pediatric physical therapy for common childhood diagnoses
- What they're known for: A suburban Blank Children's location that brings the same UnityPoint pediatric PT team closer to families on the west side, offering both clinic-based and in-home services for added flexibility.
- 2701 SE Convenience Blvd, Suite 8, Ankeny, IA 50021
- (515) 963-7924
- unitypoint.org
- Pediatric physical therapy
- What they're known for: Blank Children's northern-suburb clinic, convenient for Ankeny and northern-metro families, offering clinic visits plus in-home therapy through the UnityPoint pediatric network.
- 1750 48th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
- (515) 280-5332
- childserve.org
- Developmental delay, abnormal tone and spasticity management, torticollis, and gross motor work (walking, balance, coordination, strength), plus neurological and orthopedic care
- Accepts Iowa Medicaid, private insurance, and private pay (physician order required)
- What they're known for: A respected central-Iowa nonprofit with an interdisciplinary model, ChildServe is a go-to for children with developmental and complex needs — from tone and spasticity management to torticollis and gross motor goals. Its broad acceptance of Iowa Medicaid alongside private insurance makes care accessible for many families, though a physician order is required to begin.
- 501 SW 7th St, Suite Q, Des Moines, IA 50309
- (515) 643-9800
- mercyone.org
- Pediatric rehabilitation for developmental complications, with a focus on gross motor strength and skills
- What they're known for: MercyOne's downtown Riverside rehab program brings hospital-affiliated pediatric PT to families on the south-central side of the metro, with a family-involved approach to building gross motor strength and skills.
- 2455 SW State St, Suites 4/5/6, Ankeny, IA 50023
- (515) 963-4528
- selectphysicaltherapy.com
- Torticollis, toe-walking, gross motor delay, and cerebral palsy, with aquatic therapy and telerehab options
- What they're known for: The pediatric arm of a national therapy network, this Ankeny clinic treats torticollis, toe-walking, gross motor delay, and cerebral palsy — and its aquatic therapy and telerehab options give families in the northern metro added flexibility in how care is delivered.
- 3200 Grand Ave, 8th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50312
- (515) 271-1717
- dmuclinic.org
- Infant torticollis and developmental delay
- What they're known for: The physical therapy clinic at Des Moines University, a teaching institution near the heart of the city, offering pediatric PT for infant torticollis and developmental delay in a university-clinic setting.
What Does a Physical Therapist Treat?
Pediatric physical therapists work on how a child moves — rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, stairs, balance and coordination — and on the strength, range of motion and motor planning underneath those skills. Much of the work looks like play, because a child practices a movement willingly when it gets them something they want. For adults, outpatient physical therapy covers orthopedic injury and post-surgical rehabilitation, back and neck pain, balance and vestibular difficulty, and movement after a neurological event.
Conditions Physical Therapy Can Help With
Common reasons for a pediatric referral include torticollis and plagiocephaly in infants, gross-motor delay, toe walking, low or high muscle tone, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hypermobility, and returning to sport after an injury. Adult clinics commonly treat back and neck pain, joint and sports injury, post-operative rehabilitation, and balance or dizziness.
How to Choose a Physical Therapist in Des Moines
The right PT depends on your child's age, diagnosis, and your family's preferences. Here's what to weigh:
- Check credentials. Look for a licensed physical therapist (PT or DPT) in Iowa. For specialized needs, ask about relevant experience and certifications — for example, a Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS), or Schroth certification for scoliosis.
- Match the specialty to the need. Infant torticollis, toe-walking, developmental delay, scoliosis, and cerebral palsy are distinct areas. Ask how often the therapist treats your child's specific concern.
- Confirm insurance and cost up front. Verify in-network status and visit limits, and ask whether the practice accepts Iowa Medicaid or Hawki. Note that some programs, including ChildServe, require a physician order before starting.
- Consider the setting. The Blank Children's suburban clinics offer in-home services, Select Kids offers aquatic therapy and telerehab, and hospital programs provide specialized equipment for gait, strength, and gross-motor work.
- Ask about caregiver coaching. Progress accelerates when parents practice between visits, and several local programs pair clinic care with home programming. Ask how the therapist will involve you and track milestones.
- Act early. For torticollis and toe-walking especially, earlier intervention often means faster, gentler results — and Iowa's Early ACCESS program can help for children birth to three.
Questions to ask during a consultation
- What is your experience with my child's diagnosis?
- How will you set and measure goals?
- How often are sessions, and for how long?
- How will you coach me at home?
- What outcomes should we expect, and by when?
Physical Therapy Resources in Des Moines
- Early ACCESS Iowa The state's free early-intervention program offering developmental support and PT evaluations for children from birth to age three.
- Iowa Medicaid & Hawki State coverage programs that can fund medically necessary physical therapy for eligible children.
- UnityPoint Health – Blank Children's Hospital Pediatric PT evaluations, neurology and orthopedic clinics, and developmental resources for families across central Iowa.
- ChildServe A central-Iowa nonprofit offering therapy, evaluations, and family support for children with developmental and complex needs.
- Your child's school district (Des Moines Public Schools / Heartland AEA) Public schools and Iowa's Area Education Agencies provide PT services for eligible students through IEPs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pediatric physical therapy cost in Des Moines, Iowa?
Out-of-pocket pediatric physical therapy in the Des Moines area typically runs about $100–$180 per session at private practices, while hospital-affiliated programs such as Blank Children's or MercyOne may bill differently. Many providers accept commercial insurance and Iowa Medicaid (including Hawki), which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. Always confirm rates and coverage directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover physical therapy in Iowa?
Many Iowa health plans cover physical therapy when it is medically necessary, and Iowa Medicaid and the Hawki children's program cover PT for eligible children. Several pediatric PT programs, including ChildServe, require a physician order before starting, and coverage limits and prior-authorization rules vary by plan. Some Des Moines practices do not state which plans they accept, so call ahead and verify benefits before your first visit.
What conditions does pediatric physical therapy treat?
Pediatric physical therapists treat gross motor delays, torticollis, toe-walking, cerebral palsy, abnormal muscle tone and spasticity, coordination and balance difficulties, scoliosis, post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation, and conditions linked to prematurity or complex medical needs. They help children build strength, mobility, and confidence in movement — often through walking, balance, and coordination work.
How long are pediatric physical therapy sessions?
Most pediatric PT sessions in Des Moines last 30 to 60 minutes, with frequency depending on the child's goals — often once or twice a week. Evaluations usually take 60 to 90 minutes. Hospital programs like Blank Children's frequently pair clinic visits with home programming so families can practice between appointments.
At what age should my child start physical therapy in Des Moines?
There is no age that is too early. Iowa's Early ACCESS program serves children from birth to age three with free early-intervention support, and PT is most effective when started promptly — especially for infant torticollis or toe-walking. If you notice a head-turn preference, a flat spot, delayed rolling, sitting, or walking, or stiff or floppy muscle tone, ask your pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric physical therapist.
When should my baby start physical therapy for torticollis?
Early is best. For torticollis, many Des Moines pediatric PTs — including those at Blank Children's, ChildServe, Select Kids, and the Des Moines University Clinic — recommend starting as soon as a head-turn preference or flat spot is noticed, ideally in the first few months of life when gentle correction is most effective. Talk to your pediatrician and a pediatric PT promptly if you have concerns.
How long is the wait for a first appointment?
It varies by practice rather than by city, so it is worth asking when you call — a clinic with a long wait for weekly therapy will often book an evaluation much sooner, and some hold cancellation slots. Because of that, most families contact more than one practice on this page rather than waiting on the first. If your child is under three, your state's early intervention program runs on its own timeline and is worth starting in parallel.
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Medical disclaimer. This directory is for general informational purposes. A listing is not an endorsement, referral, or recommendation, and inclusion does not mean we have verified a provider’s credentials, licensure, or insurance. Confirm those directly with the provider before booking. DrSensory is not affiliated with the practices listed.