Physical Therapy Clinics in Portland, ME
Physical Therapy Clinics in Portland, ME
- 100 Foden Rd, West Building, Suite 205, South Portland, ME 04106
- (207) 780-8860
- intermed.com
- Pediatric PT for torticollis and plagiocephaly, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, toe-walking and clubfeet, and congenital or neurological conditions; serial casting and gait training
- Does not accept MaineCare
- What they're known for: A pediatric physical therapy program within a well-established Greater Portland medical group, handling a broad range of developmental and neurological conditions with services like serial casting and gait training — a strong choice for families with commercial insurance who want hospital-affiliated pediatric care close to home.
- Home-based across Greater Portland, ME (based in North Yarmouth; no fixed clinic address)
- upandawaytherapies.com
- Developmental delay, torticollis and plagiocephaly, hypotonia (low muscle tone), neurological and genetic conditions, developmental coordination disorder, and gait
- What they're known for: A home-based practice that delivers pediatric physical therapy in the child's natural environment throughout Greater Portland — well suited to infants with torticollis or flat-head concerns and to families who prefer treatment where their child already lives and plays.
- 170 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105
- (207) 781-0022
- sspcmaine.com
- Pediatric physical therapy within a multidisciplinary clinic, using neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and visual-vestibular approaches; birth to age 18
- What they're known for: A family-centered Falmouth clinic where physical therapy sits alongside other pediatric disciplines, drawing on NDT and visual-vestibular methods — convenient for children who benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary care from infancy through the teen years.
- 1601 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
- (207) 439-5104
- sacobaypt.com
- Neurological disorders, sensory integration, partial-weight-bearing gait training, cranial helmets, and orthotics; ages 0 to 30
- What they're known for: The Portland location of a pediatric multidisciplinary team, offering specialized equipment and techniques — including partial-weight-bearing gait training, cranial helmets, and orthotics — a practical option for families coordinating several therapies in one place.
- 10 Trails End Rd, Windham, ME 04062
- (207) 233-7373
- southernmainetherapy.com
- Pediatric PT (alongside OT) for cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and developmental and gross-motor delays; birth to age 18; clinic- and preschool-based
- What they're known for: A Windham practice that delivers pediatric physical therapy both in clinic and in preschools, pairing PT with OT for children from birth to age 18 — a fit for families west of Portland who want therapy that meets the child where they learn.
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 Portland
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 Maine. 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, neuromuscular and genetic conditions, gait and serial casting, and orthotics or helmets 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 MaineCare or works with Child Development Services — some Greater Portland practices do not accept MaineCare or are private-pay, in which case ask about superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
- Consider the setting. In-home PT is ideal for infants and busy families; clinics offer specialized equipment for gait, strength, and gross-motor work; some practices also serve preschools.
- Ask about caregiver coaching. Progress accelerates when parents practice between visits. Ask how the therapist will involve you and track milestones.
- Act early. For torticollis and plagiocephaly especially, earlier intervention often means faster, gentler results.
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 Portland
- Maine Child Development Services (CDS) Maine's early intervention system, providing free developmental evaluations and physical therapy services for children birth to age three (and preschool special education for ages three to five).
- MaineCare Maine's Medicaid program, which covers physical therapy for eligible children when medically necessary.
- Maine Medical Center / The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital Pediatric evaluations and specialty clinics for children with complex or co-occurring medical needs in Greater Portland.
- Your child's school district Maine public schools provide physical therapy services through IEPs for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pediatric physical therapy cost in Portland, Maine?
Out-of-pocket pediatric physical therapy in the Portland, Maine area typically runs about $120–$200 per session at private practices, while hospital-affiliated programs such as Maine Medical Center and The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital may bill differently. Many Portland providers accept commercial insurance and MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program), which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. Some practices do not accept MaineCare or are private-pay only and can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Always confirm rates and coverage directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover physical therapy in Maine?
Many Maine health plans cover physical therapy when it is medically necessary, and MaineCare covers PT for eligible children. For children under three, Maine's Child Development Services (CDS) provides early intervention, often at no cost to families. Coverage limits, prior-authorization rules, and visit caps vary by plan, and not every Greater Portland practice accepts MaineCare, so verify benefits before starting. Some practices are private-pay or out-of-network and offer superbills for reimbursement.
What conditions does pediatric physical therapy treat?
Pediatric physical therapists treat gross motor delays, torticollis, plagiocephaly (head flattening), cerebral palsy, low muscle tone (hypotonia), coordination and balance difficulties, toe-walking, clubfeet, spina bifida, neuromuscular and genetic conditions, and post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation. They help children gain strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
How long are pediatric physical therapy sessions?
Most pediatric PT sessions in Portland 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 intensive or serial-casting protocols that follow a different schedule.
Do Portland pediatric physical therapists offer in-home visits?
Yes. Up & Away Therapies provides home-based pediatric physical therapy in the child's natural environment across Greater Portland, which is especially helpful for infants with torticollis or plagiocephaly and for families who prefer treatment at home. Several clinic-based providers also work within preschools. Ask each practice which settings they currently offer.
When should my baby start physical therapy for torticollis?
Early is best. For torticollis and plagiocephaly, many Portland pediatric PTs recommend starting as soon as a flat spot or head-turn preference is noticed — ideally in the first few months of life, when gentle, non-helmet correction is often most effective. For children under three, Maine's Child Development Services (CDS) can also help with early intervention. 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.
