Physical Therapy in Houston, TX

Last updated: April 17, 2026

111 NPI-registered pediatric physical therapy providers serve Houston, TX. Each listing includes the provider's name, location, specialties, listed credentials, and current new-patient status, with a link to the full profile and to verify the provider's state license through FSBPT. Listings refreshed from the NPPES registry April 2026.

111 providers in Houston — showing 50 per page (page 3 of 3)

How we vet: Every listing starts from the provider's federal CMS NPI record and is refreshed from the registry on a recurring schedule, with direct links to the certification or state-licensing body for its specialty so you can verify credentials at the source. We do not accept paid placement. Read our full verification methodology.

Physical Therapy in Houston, TX

Pediatric physical therapy in Houston helps babies and children build the big-movement skills known as gross-motor skills: head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping, and balance. Parents usually arrive here after a little one is late to roll, sit, or walk, after noticing a head tilt or persistent toe-walking, or while a child recovers from an injury or surgery. FindKidTherapy lists NPI-registered pediatric physical therapists across Harris County, from solo practices near the Texas Medical Center and the inner loop to clinics in Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Cypress, and Spring, plus the major hospital systems including Texas Children's Hospital.

If your child is under three, the fastest no-cost path is often Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), the state's birth-to-three program under Texas Health and Human Services, which can deliver physical therapy in your home on a sliding-scale basis while you wait on a private list. Hospital-affiliated programs tend to carry the longest waits, while solo practices often move fastest.

A typical path is a 60 to 90 minute evaluation followed by weekly play-based sessions. To a child, tummy-time games, obstacle courses, and animal walks feel like fun; underneath, the therapist is building strength, coordination, and motor planning. Parents are part of the team, and the therapist sends home simple activities so progress carries into daily routines. Many Houston families coordinate PT with occupational therapy when a child needs both gross-motor and fine-motor support.

Pediatric physical therapists in Texas are licensed by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners and typically hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree; some are board-certified Pediatric Clinical Specialists (PCS), which signals extra experience with infants and children. You can confirm a therapist's license through the board's online verification. Below are the physical therapy providers currently active in Houston.

What to expect

The first visit is an evaluation, not treatment. Expect a relaxed, play-based assessment of about an hour: a parent interview about pregnancy, birth, and milestones, then the therapist watching your child move and gently checking strength, range of motion, posture, and balance. You leave with a plain-language summary and goals, and treatment starts at the next visit. Bring any pediatrician notes or prior IEP or IFSP paperwork.

Insurance

Texas Medicaid covers medically necessary physical therapy for children under 21 through the EPSDT benefit, delivered under Texas Health Steps. Houston-area Medicaid STAR managed-care plans commonly include Amerigroup, Molina Healthcare, Superior HealthPlan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Commercial plans (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna, Cigna) typically reimburse with a physician referral or prescription and prior authorization after the evaluation, and some cap annual PT visits. Confirm your specific plan before the first visit.

Start sooner if under 3

Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is the statewide birth-to-three system under Texas Health and Human Services; you can reach it through 2-1-1 Texas (dial 2-1-1) or your local Harris County ECI program. Services can include PT, use a sliding scale based on family circumstances, are often delivered in your home, and you can self-refer without a doctor's referral.

PT vs OT for kids

Physical therapy focuses on gross-motor skills like walking, balance, strength, and coordination; occupational therapy focuses on fine-motor and functional daily skills, sensory processing, and self-care. Some Houston children see both, and the two often work together. If you are unsure which your child needs, a PT or OT evaluation can point you in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions — Physical Therapy in Houston, TX

At what age can a child start physical therapy in Houston?

Physical therapy can begin in infancy. Therapists regularly work with newborns and babies on issues like torticollis, tummy-time tolerance, and early motor skills, and they help children of every age through the school years. There is no age that is too early to ask questions. For children under three, Texas ECI can begin services, often in your home.

What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy for kids?

Physical therapy focuses on gross-motor skills: walking, balance, strength, and coordination. Occupational therapy focuses on fine-motor and functional daily skills, sensory processing, and self-care. Some children see both. If you are unsure which your child needs, a PT or OT evaluation can point you in the right direction, and many Houston families coordinate the two.

Do I need a doctor's referral for pediatric PT in Texas?

It depends on your insurance plan and the clinic's policy. Many insurers ask for a physician referral or prescription before they will cover physical therapy, while some clinics offer evaluations without one. For children under three, Texas ECI lets families request a referral directly, with no physician referral required. Calling ahead to confirm is the fastest way to know what your plan needs.

Does Texas Medicaid cover pediatric physical therapy in Houston?

Yes. Texas Medicaid covers medically necessary physical therapy for children under 21 through the EPSDT benefit, delivered under Texas Health Steps. Common Houston-area STAR managed-care plans include Amerigroup, Molina Healthcare, Superior HealthPlan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Prior authorization is usually required after the initial evaluation.

Is toe-walking something a physical therapist can help with?

Often, yes. Persistent toe-walking is one of the most common reasons Houston families seek pediatric PT. A licensed therapist can assess range of motion, strength, and walking patterns, then build a play-based plan. Because toe-walking can have several causes, an evaluation by a clinician is the best way to understand what is going on.

How long will my child need physical therapy?

Every child is different, so a therapist will not promise a set timeline. The plan depends on your child's goals, needs, and progress, which the therapist reviews with you regularly. Some children attend for a short stretch after an injury or to reach a specific milestone; others benefit from longer-term support. Therapy goals are about progress and participation, not a promised result.

Other Therapy Types in Houston

Physical Therapy

713-873-3700

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About Physical Therapy for Children in Houston, TX

Physical Therapy can make a significant difference in your child's development. If you're looking for pediatric physical therapy providers in Houston, our directory can help you find qualified, experienced therapists who specialize in working with children.

What is Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapists help children improve gross motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, and mobility.

Finding the Right PT Therapist in Houston

When choosing a physical therapy provider for your child in Houston, Texas, consider factors such as their experience with your child's specific needs, accepted insurance plans, location convenience, and whether they offer in-clinic, in-home, or telehealth sessions.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Physical Therapy

Early intervention is key for pediatric therapy. If you notice your child struggling with age-appropriate milestones, talk to your pediatrician about whether physical therapy might help. Many families in Houston find that starting therapy early leads to better outcomes.