Physical Therapy Clinics in Indianapolis, IN
Physical Therapy Clinics in Indianapolis, IN
- 575 Riley Hospital Dr, MSA 1, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- (317) 944-5000
- rileychildrens.org
- Pediatric physical therapy for developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and gross-motor concerns, with occupational therapy also available
- What they're known for: As the dominant pediatric system in Indiana and part of IU Health, Riley Children's offers hospital-level, multidisciplinary care — a strong choice for children with complex, neurological, or co-occurring medical needs. Confirm the specific therapy suite or clinic that handles your child's needs when you call.
- 5255 E Stop 11 Rd, Suite 260, Indianapolis, IN 46237
- (317) 528-5514
- franciscanhealth.org
- Outpatient pediatric PT for developmental delay, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and torticollis
- What they're known for: A health-system pediatric PT program on the south side that treats a wide range of developmental and neurological conditions — useful for families who want hospital-affiliated care close to home.
- 7209 N Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46250
- (317) 288-7606
- childrenstherapyconnection.com
- Gross-motor skills (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking), cerebral palsy, and developmental delay; participates in Indiana First Steps for ages 0–3
- What they're known for: An outpatient clinic that also delivers First Steps in-home services, helping families bridge early intervention and clinic-based care for infants and toddlers working toward gross-motor milestones.
- 9919 Towne Rd, Carmel, IN 46032
- (317) 872-4166
- childrenstheraplay.org
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy delivered through hippotherapy; cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and developmental delay
- What they're known for: A distinctive nonprofit in Carmel that uses hippotherapy — therapy incorporating the movement of a horse — within an outpatient clinic and indoor arena, a compelling option for children who respond well to dynamic, engaging movement-based treatment.
- 10335 Corydon Ct, Indianapolis, IN 46239 (additional location in Brownsburg)
- (317) 406-9883
- 123ot.net
- Pediatric physical therapy (and occupational therapy) for children ages 0–21
- What they're known for: A clinic offering both PT and OT across a wide age range, with limited home and daycare visits available — convenient for families on the east side and in Brownsburg.
- 1502 W Edgewood Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46217
- (317) 791-9031
- pediplayfamily.com
- Gross-motor delay and cerebral palsy for children from birth through 21+; play-based model
- What they're known for: A south-side clinic offering pediatric PT alongside speech and OT, with a play-based approach and a broad age range — convenient for families whose child needs more than one therapy discipline.
- 140 E Main St, Carmel, IN 46032 (multiple Indianapolis-area sites)
- (317) 520-4748
- kctherapy.com
- Pediatric physical therapy, with occupational, speech, and ABA therapy also available; clinic and school-based
- What they're known for: A broad multidisciplinary provider with multiple Indy-area locations and both clinic and school-based options — a fit for families who want PT alongside other therapies under one organization.
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 Indianapolis
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 Indiana. For specialized needs, ask about relevant experience and certifications (for example, a Pediatric Clinical Specialist, PCS).
- Match the specialty to the need. Infant torticollis, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and hippotherapy 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, or ask about superbills if the practice is out-of-network. Indiana Medicaid covers PT for many eligible children.
- Consider the setting. Clinics offer specialized equipment for gait, strength, and gross-motor work; First Steps in-home services and school-based PT bring therapy to the child's natural environment.
- Ask about caregiver coaching. Progress accelerates when parents practice between visits. Ask how the therapist will involve you and track milestones.
- Act early. For developmental delay and torticollis especially, earlier intervention often means faster, gentler results — and First Steps can help for children under 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 Indianapolis
- Indiana First Steps The statewide early intervention program serving children from birth to age three, offering developmental evaluations and covered physical therapy, often delivered in the home.
- Riley Children's Health (IU Health) Pediatric PT evaluations, neurology and orthopedic clinics, and developmental resources across Central Indiana.
- Indiana Medicaid Covers medically necessary physical therapy for eligible children; managed-care plans may have specific in-network providers.
- Franciscan Health & Community Health Network pediatric rehabilitation Hospital-affiliated outpatient pediatric therapy across the Indianapolis metro.
- Your child's school district Public schools provide physical therapy services through IEPs for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pediatric physical therapy cost in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Private-pay pediatric physical therapy in the Indianapolis area typically runs about $100–$200 per session at private practices, while hospital-affiliated programs such as Riley Children's Health, Franciscan Health, and Community Health Network may bill differently. Many providers accept commercial insurance and Indiana Medicaid, which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. Always confirm details directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover physical therapy in Indiana?
Many Indiana health plans cover physical therapy when it is medically necessary, and Indiana Medicaid (including managed-care plans) covers PT for eligible children. Coverage limits, prior-authorization rules, and visit caps vary by plan, so verify benefits before starting. Some practices are private-pay or out-of-network and can provide a superbill for reimbursement.
What conditions does pediatric physical therapy treat?
Pediatric physical therapists treat gross motor delays, torticollis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, low muscle tone, coordination and balance difficulties, post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation, and conditions linked to prematurity or chromosomal differences. They help children gain strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
How long are pediatric physical therapy sessions?
Most pediatric PT sessions in Indianapolis 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. Specialized approaches such as hippotherapy may follow their own session structure.
At what age should my child start physical therapy?
Early is best. Indiana's First Steps early intervention program serves children from birth to age three, and several Indianapolis providers deliver First Steps in-home services. For concerns such as gross motor delay, torticollis, or low muscle tone, an evaluation can be done in infancy — earlier intervention often means faster, gentler results.
Why are there fewer pediatric physical therapists than speech or OT providers in Indianapolis?
Pediatric physical therapy is a more specialized field with fewer dedicated local clinics than speech or occupational therapy.
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.