At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we provide comprehensive, specialized care for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Our team of physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic therapists work together to help your child build strength, maintain mobility, and reach their fullest potential.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the second most common genetic disorder in children. It affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord that signal muscles to contract, caused by a lack of Spinal Motor Neuron Protein (SMN1). Most people also have a "backup" protein called SMN2, but it's not as effective at helping muscles fire. Without enough SMN1, muscles don't receive the signals they need to contract. Over time, unused muscles become smaller, weaker, and tighter — including the muscles that help with breathing and coughing.
Before 1995, respiratory complications from SMA were life-threatening, and about 80% of children diagnosed did not survive past age 2. Today, thanks to universal newborn screening (available in all 50 states as of 2024) and gene therapy, the outlook is much brighter. About 95% of babies diagnosed at birth begin gene therapy within the first two months of life. While gene therapy is a powerful tool, it is not a cure. Early and ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy are essential to help children with SMA maintain muscle strength, prevent joint deformities, and support overall development.
At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we begin therapy as early as possible, while bones and muscles are still developing, to prevent or minimize complications and maximize your child's abilities.
Our SMA Therapy Services Include:
Our physical therapists focus on preserving muscle strength, joint flexibility, and postural control. Sessions may include gentle range-of-motion activities, supported movement practice, and positioning strategies to prevent contractures or scoliosis. We also provide recommendations for adaptive equipment, such as standers, gait trainers, and orthotics, to promote safe mobility and bone health.
Occupational therapists help children build functional independence in play, self-care, and fine motor activities. Therapy may involve adaptive seating, upper-extremity strengthening, splinting, or assistive technology to support participation at home and school. We collaborate with families to ensure each child can engage meaningfully in daily routines.
Our aquatic therapy program provides a supportive, low-gravity environment that makes movement easier and more comfortable. The buoyancy of the water helps children build strength, practice balance, and improve endurance while reducing stress on joints. Aquatic sessions are often a favorite part of therapy, offering freedom of movement and fun.
Speech-language pathologists support both communication and swallowing skills, which can be affected by muscle weakness. We focus on speech clarity, breath support, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) when needed to ensure your child can express themselves effectively. For younger children, early speech therapy encourages social connection and cognitive growth.
Feeding specialists address challenges with oral motor control, chewing, and swallowing safety. Using evidence-based techniques, we strengthen the muscles needed for eating and teach families strategies to make mealtimes safer and more enjoyable. We work closely with your medical team to monitor nutrition and aspiration risk.
We believe families are the center of every child’s care. Our therapists provide hands-on training, home exercise programs, and guidance on daily positioning, mobility, and equipment use. We empower caregivers to confidently support therapy goals between visits—helping progress continue long after each session ends.
Multidisciplinary team approach — Physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic therapists working together
Experience with infants and young children with complex medical needs
Early intervention focus to maximize outcomes from the start
Family-centered care with ongoing education and support
Therapy available in our Boca Raton clinic and community locations
Starting therapy early ideally after diagnosis helps preserve muscle strength and function, prevent or delay scoliosis and hip dislocation, and support bone and joint alignment while still developing. Early intervention encourages developmental progress and independence, reduces the risk of respiratory complications, and empowers families with the skills and knowledge to support their child at home.
Early support makes a lasting difference. If your child has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, our team is here to help them grow stronger, move more freely, and thrive.
Contact Progressive Pediatric Therapy today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our SMA therapy programs.
We empower children, families, and the community to learn, grow, and celebrate every child's unique abilities.
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