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Therapy Services

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Audiological Services

An individual may need Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy or he/she may need all three. First Step offers therapeutic services to both children and adults. After careful evaluation, we design a program to meet each specific need and allow the individual the best chance of success.  All of our therapy services are per a physician's referral.

Our therapists are highly trained and licensed in their respective disciplines:

Physical Therapy
Offers treatment for those who have difficulty with gross motor skills. Physical Therapists use a variety of treatment methods to help children sit, stand, walk, climb and function in their environment.

Occupational Therapy
Helps in the use of fine motor skills and visual motor tasks. Occupational Therapists play a leading role in evaluating and treating sensory processing disorders.

Speech-Language Therapy
Offers treatment in the areas of receptive and expressive language, articulation, hearing, voice, fluency and feeding skills. They utilize all environments and people to encourage their patients to express thoughts and feelings clearly.

- Hearing Evaluation/Screening
Our audiologists evaluate and screen hearing acuity and assist in the determination and fitting of equipment and devices needed to enhance hearing. Referrals and recommendations to physicians and therapists provide the avenue for intervention to which individuals have the opportunity to communicate effectively.

 We use the following approaches and equipment to offer the best possible plan for therapy.

- Aquatic Therapy
A therapy pool is used as a tool to assist with traditional treatment methods. Aquatic techniques can be used to improve balance, strength, endurance, and increase range of motion. Offered by the Hot Springs and Malvern Centers only.

- Technology and Equipment
The therapy teams determine an individual’s need for equipment that would increase, maintain or improve his/her functional capabilities. They evaluate the effectiveness of such items and make recommendations and modifications as needed.

- Aural Rehabilitation
The speech-language pathologists provide educational procedures such as the SKI-HI programs for children with hearing difficulties. These programs are used to improve the effectiveness of their overall communication ability.

 - Feeding/Swallowing/Oral Motor
The occupational therapy and speech pathology staffs evaluate and manage pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders secondary to medical and behavioral disorders including prematurity, central nervous system dysfunction, chronic pulmonary conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, craniofacial anomalies and developmental delay.

 - Sensory Processing Education
Disorders of sensory processing can interfere with the ability to learn, interact with others, perform tasks and participate in activities. All therapy components evaluate and treat such disorders.

- Orthotics
Our physical therapists are trained in the selection and fabrication of appropriate ankle/foot and leg orthotics. These devices aid in maintaining a functional alignment of the foot, ankle and leg. The orthotics are measured for and fitted on site as a convenience.

 - Home and Center Based Therapy Services
First Step provides individualized center-based therapy services within the classroom, on the playground and in specialized therapy settings. Home-based services are provided for those who are medically fragile or who live in remote areas and lack transportation.

For more information, contact First Step at (501) 624-6468.

Other Areas of Possible Interest: Adult Services, Children’s Services
 

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