EP #233: The Building Blocks of Movement: How Dr. Amie with Milestones At Play Empowers Parents and Children

What makes Dr. Amie Dougherty with Milestones At Play Physical Therapy & Wellness a good neighbor?

Understanding child development can feel overwhelming for parents, especially when it comes to physical milestones. When should my baby roll over? Is tummy time really that important? How do I know if my child is developing properly? These questions plague the minds of parents everywhere, and often lead to late-night Google searches that only increase anxiety rather than provide real solutions.

On a recent episode of The Good Neighbor Podcast, Dr. Amie Dougherty of Milestones at Play Physical Therapy and Wellness shed light on these concerns and more. With nearly 13 years of experience in pediatric physical therapy, Dr. Dougherty specializes in helping children from birth to five years develop crucial gross motor skills. Her approach, however, differs significantly from traditional therapy models in ways that benefit both children and parents.

Unlike many physical therapists, Dr. Dougherty operates on a private pay model that allows her to work proactively with families before concerns develop into actual delays. This preventative approach means children often need fewer sessions overall—sometimes as few as one to four visits—compared to the ongoing weekly or twice-weekly appointments common in insurance-based practices. The misconception that private pay automatically means more expensive doesn't hold true when considering the total cost of extended therapy over months versus a handful of targeted sessions that address issues early.

What makes Dr. Dougherty's approach particularly effective is her focus on parent education and empowerment. "It's not during that 45 to 60-minute session that I'm having with their kid, it's what happens after," she explains. By teaching parents how to recognize and support their child's development, she creates lasting results that extend far beyond the therapy session itself. This education includes understanding the "mini milestones" that build up to major achievements like rolling, crawling, and walking.

For parents concerned about developmental timelines, Dr. Dougherty offers reassurance that development occurs on a continuum. Rolling, for example, typically happens between four and seven months of age. More important than exact timing is ensuring symmetrical movement, good head control, and the progressive building of foundational skills that lead to major milestones. These foundations are what enable children to successfully play on playgrounds and engage confidently in physical activities as they grow.

In an age dominated by social media advice and "Dr. Google" diagnoses, Dr. Dougherty emphasizes the importance of consulting specialists rather than falling victim to information overload. The vast amount of parenting advice available online can create unnecessary anxiety and ever-expanding to-do lists for already overwhelmed parents. Instead of diving deep into potentially inaccurate online resources, Dr. Dougherty encourages parents to simply "ask the professional" in the relevant field—whether that's a pediatric physical therapist for movement concerns or a speech therapist for language development questions.

To learn more about Milestones at Play go to:

https://milestonesatplay.com/

Milestones At Play Physical Therapy & Wellness

972-430-3126