Physical Therapy Clinics in New Orleans, LA
Physical Therapy Clinics in New Orleans, LA
- 200 Henry Clay Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
- (504) 899-9511
- manningchildrens.org
- Developmental delay, torticollis, neuromuscular conditions, genetic and orthopedic disorders, and gross motor skills for children birth through age 21; inpatient and outpatient care by prescription
- What they're known for: As the region's flagship pediatric hospital (formerly Children's Hospital New Orleans, now Manning Family Children's within LCMC Health), its outpatient rehab team provides specialized pediatric PT with hospital-level coordination — a strong choice for children with complex, neurological, or co-occurring medical needs.
- 3211 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002
- (504) 736-4640
- ochsner.org
- Developmental delay, torticollis, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, gross motor skills, and gait training; adaptive equipment and serial casting after Botox; clinic-based
- Accepts all major insurances
- What they're known for: A health-system pediatric PT program in Metairie with advanced interventions such as gait training and post-Botox serial casting, useful for children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions, plus broad insurance acceptance.
- 3105 18th St, Metairie, LA 70002 (also 3923 Bienville St, New Orleans)
- (504) 866-6990
- cranerehabpediatrics.com
- Mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and function for children birth through age 18; aquatic therapy option; clinic and community settings
- In-network with most major insurance plans
- What they're known for: A multidisciplinary pediatric rehab center with clinics in Metairie and Mid-City New Orleans and an aquatic-therapy option — a flexible choice for families who want PT alongside OT and speech under one roof.
- 3939 Houma Blvd, Bldg 4, Suite 216, Metairie, LA 70006
- (504) 517-5437
- kim4kidsnola.com
- Motor skills, strength, balance, and independence; clinic and school-based delivery
- What they're known for: A pediatric-focused Metairie practice offering physical therapy alongside its occupational therapy services, with school-based options that extend care into the classroom.
- Uptown, New Orleans, LA 70115 (confirm pediatric services directly)
- (504) 895-0638
- moreaupt.com
- Pediatric therapy from infancy through adolescence, including developmental delays and cerebral palsy; clinic-based
- What they're known for: An Uptown outpatient clinic that lists pediatric physical therapy from infancy through adolescence among its services. Because Moreau is primarily a general physical therapy group, confirm current pediatric PT availability and scheduling directly before your first visit.
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 New Orleans
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 Louisiana. 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, and neuromuscular conditions are distinct areas. Ask how often the therapist treats your child's specific concern.
- Confirm insurance and cost up front. Verify in-network status, visit limits, and prior-authorization rules — including for Healthy Louisiana Medicaid plans — and ask whether a physician referral or prescription is required.
- Consider the setting. Hospital and clinic programs offer specialized equipment and interventions such as gait training, serial casting, or aquatic therapy; some practices also offer school-based services.
- Ask about EarlySteps eligibility. If your child is under three, ask whether early intervention through Louisiana EarlySteps could support your child's physical therapy.
- Act early. For torticollis especially, earlier intervention often means faster, gentler results — and because the local pediatric PT field is small, calling early helps with waitlists.
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 New Orleans
- Louisiana EarlySteps The state's early-intervention program providing free or low-cost developmental support and PT evaluations for children birth to age three.
- Healthy Louisiana / Louisiana Medicaid Medicaid managed-care plans that cover medically necessary physical therapy for eligible children.
- Manning Family Children's (Children's Hospital New Orleans, LCMC Health) Pediatric PT evaluations, neurology and orthopedic clinics, and rehabilitation services across the region.
- Ochsner Children's Therapy & Wellness Outpatient pediatric physical therapy and specialized interventions such as gait training and serial casting.
- Your child's school district Orleans and Jefferson Parish public schools provide physical therapy services through IEPs for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pediatric physical therapy cost in New Orleans, Louisiana?
Private-pay pediatric physical therapy in the New Orleans area typically runs about $100–$190 per session, while hospital-affiliated programs at systems like Children's Hospital New Orleans or Ochsner may bill differently. Many local providers accept commercial insurance and Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana) plans, 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 Louisiana?
Many Louisiana health plans cover physical therapy when it is medically necessary, and Louisiana Medicaid through the Healthy Louisiana 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 New Orleans practices may require a physician referral or prescription, so confirm details directly.
What conditions does pediatric physical therapy treat?
Pediatric physical therapists treat gross motor delays, torticollis, cerebral palsy, low muscle tone, Down syndrome, neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions, balance and coordination difficulties, and developmental delays linked to prematurity or genetic differences. They help children gain strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
How long are pediatric physical therapy sessions?
Most pediatric PT sessions in New Orleans 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. Some clinics offer aquatic therapy or specialized interventions such as serial casting in addition to standard sessions.
Are there many pediatric physical therapists in New Orleans?
Pediatric physical therapy is a more specialized field than speech or occupational therapy, with relatively few dedicated providers in the New Orleans area. Most families rely on the hospital systems — Manning Family Children's (Children's Hospital New Orleans) and Ochsner Children's — along with a small number of pediatric rehab clinics. Because the field is smaller, it is worth calling early, as waitlists can be longer.
When should my baby start physical therapy for torticollis?
Early is best. For torticollis, many pediatric PTs 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 often most effective. Louisiana's EarlySteps program can also support early intervention for eligible infants, so 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.