Physical Therapy Clinics in Tacoma, WA
Physical Therapy Clinics in Tacoma, WA
- 1909 S 72nd St, Ste A1, Tacoma, WA 98408 (outpatient pediatric therapy also available in Lakewood and Puyallup)
- (253) 697-5200
- marybridge.org
- Strength, coordination, balance, range of motion, and motor-milestone work; torticollis and developmental conditions; birth through age 18; includes a Neurodevelopmental Center
- What they're known for: The South Sound's flagship pediatric hospital system (part of MultiCare), with specialized PT teams, a Neurodevelopmental Center, and multiple outpatient locations — a strong choice for children with complex, neurological, or co-occurring medical needs.
- 6419 Lakewood Dr W, University Place, WA 98467
- (253) 531-8873
- ctckids.org
- Pediatric physical therapy including torticollis, gross-motor and developmental-delay support, and aquatic therapy; birth through age 18; ESIT in-home early intervention
- What they're known for: The regional lead agency for Washington's Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) program, offering both clinic-based and in-home early intervention plus aquatic therapy — a go-to for birth-to-three PT and developmental support in Pierce County.
- 2929 5th Ave NE, Ste A, Puyallup, WA 98372
- (253) 447-8216
- kidsatplaytherapy.com
- Pediatric physical therapy (with occupational and feeding therapy); ages 0–18
- What they're known for: A Puyallup multidisciplinary pediatric clinic offering PT alongside OT and feeding, plus teletherapy — convenient for families coordinating several services in one place.
- 5334 Olympic Dr NW #101, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- (253) 853-5155
- hctherapy.com
- Pediatric physical therapy at an occupational/physical therapy clinic, with diagnostic evaluation and treatment; birth through age 21
- What they're known for: A Gig Harbor multidisciplinary clinic providing pediatric PT with clinic, in-home, and virtual delivery — useful for families on the peninsula who want diagnostic evaluation and treatment close to home.
- 2315 6th Ave., Tacoma WA 98403
- 253-564-2220
- abcphysicaltherapy.com
- Physical therapy alongside therapeutic massage and complementary approaches
- What they're known for: A practice that combines conventional physical therapy with massage and alternative modalities, trading as Alternative Back Care.
- 4701 S 19th St Ste 100, Tacoma WA 98405
- 253-212-3620
- madronapt.com
- Pelvic floor physical therapy across pregnancy, postpartum and menopause; pelvic and postpartum pain, painful sex, leaking, diastasis recti, bowel incontinence and prolapse
- What they're known for: A whole-body approach to pelvic floor therapy covering every stage of life rather than the postpartum period alone.
- 5929 Westgate Blvd Ste C, Tacoma WA 98406
- 253-686-9511
- mccormickphysicaltherapy.com
- Manual orthopedic physical therapy with a specialism in pelvic floor rehabilitation
- What they're known for: Individualized care from a doctor of physical therapy practicing manual orthopedic and pelvic floor therapy since 2008.
- 1807 N Stevens St, Tacoma WA 98406
- 253-396-9001
- onetoonephysicaltherapy.com
- One-to-one physical therapy built around the patient's own routine and fitness goals
- What they're known for: A three-step approach — understanding the person, agreeing the changes, then supporting them through it — rather than a fixed protocol.
- 2909 S 12th St, Tacoma WA 98405
- 253-722-9788
- physiostrength.com
- Physical therapy for back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, foot, ankle, elbow, wrist and hand pain, arthritis, ACL injury, balance and gait disorders, vertigo, chronic pain, headaches, pelvic pain, motor vehicle injuries, and pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation
- What they're known for: A broad orthopedic practice with locations in downtown Tacoma and beyond, covering vestibular and balance work alongside general rehabilitation.
- 2321 S 16th St, Tacoma WA 98405
- 360-742-6217
- rewiredmovement.com
- One-on-one orthopedic physical therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy, with personalized treatment plans
- What they're known for: A whole-person approach that pairs orthopedic rehabilitation with pelvic floor care in the same practice.
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 Tacoma
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 Washington. 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, neurological conditions, and aquatic therapy are distinct areas. Ask how often the therapist treats your child's specific concern.
- Confirm insurance and cost up front. Verify in-network status, Apple Health coverage, and visit limits. Washington allows direct access to PT, though insurers may still require a referral for coverage.
- Consider the setting. In-home PT is ideal for infants and busy families; the major centers offer specialized equipment, aquatic therapy, and neurodevelopmental programs.
- 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 — and babies birth to three may qualify for ESIT early intervention.
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 Tacoma
- Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT), Pierce County Washington's birth-to-three early-intervention program; Children's Therapy Center is the regional lead agency and provides in-home PT and developmental support.
- Mary Bridge Children's Hospital (MultiCare) Pediatric PT evaluations, a Neurodevelopmental Center, and specialized clinics across the South Sound.
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Covers medically necessary physical therapy for eligible children; ask providers whether they are contracted.
- Pierce County children's therapy clinics Multidisciplinary clinics in Puyallup and Gig Harbor offer pediatric PT alongside OT and feeding.
- 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 Tacoma, Washington?
Out-of-pocket pediatric physical therapy in the Tacoma area typically runs about $130–$225 per session at private practices, while hospital-affiliated programs may bill differently. Many Pierce County providers accept commercial insurance and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. Confirm rates and coverage directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover physical therapy in Washington?
Many Washington health plans cover physical therapy when it is medically necessary, and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) covers PT for eligible children. Washington allows direct access to physical therapy, though your insurer may still require a referral for coverage. Children's Therapy Center accepts Apple Health and private insurance. Verify benefits before starting.
What conditions does pediatric physical therapy treat?
Pediatric physical therapists treat gross motor delays, torticollis, plagiocephaly (head flattening), cerebral palsy, 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 Tacoma 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 intensive models that structure therapy differently.
When should my baby start physical therapy for torticollis in Tacoma?
Early is best. For torticollis and plagiocephaly, pediatric PTs at centers like Mary Bridge and Children's Therapy Center recommend starting as soon as a flat spot or head-turn preference is noticed — ideally in the first few months of life, when gentle correction is often most effective. Babies birth to three may also qualify for Washington's ESIT early-intervention program, for which Children's Therapy Center is the regional lead. Talk to your pediatrician and a pediatric PT promptly if you have concerns.
Why are there fewer pediatric physical therapists in Tacoma?
Pediatric physical therapy is a highly specialized field, and in Tacoma it is concentrated in the major children's therapy centers rather than spread across many standalone clinics. Mary Bridge Children's (MultiCare) and Children's Therapy Center anchor pediatric PT for the region, with additional multidisciplinary clinics in Puyallup and Gig Harbor. Rather than list adult or general orthopedic clinics, we include only providers verified to offer genuine pediatric physical 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.
What to do next
If none of them fit, these widen the search.
For clinics
Are you a physical therapy clinic in Tacoma?
List your practice and appear alongside the clinics above when local families search.
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.