Pediatric Therapies Hawaii (“PTH”) celebrated its clinic grand opening on November 16, 2020. PTH is Maui County’s very first pediatric physical therapy clinic and one of only two pediatric occupational therapy clinics.
Dr. Amy Peterson founded PTH in 2017 as a mobile pediatric therapy clinic after noticing there was a gap in services for Maui County’s children. “I noticed a huge need in the community for comprehensive pediatric physical therapy,” said Peterson. “Physical and occupational therapy is like any other aspect of medical care – you have the best outcomes with the most well-trained professionals and the most state-of-the equipment.”
The mobile clinic was limiting for some services and prevented the use of certain large and heavy equipment. The agency’s mission was to create a physical clinic space in the first five years of operation and just three years later it was accomplished. The clinic, located at 335 Hoohana Street, Unit F, in Kahului, offers physical therapy and occupational therapy for children with mild developmental delays to those with serious medical conditions.
PTH assists families in obtaining adaptive equipment their children need through insurance to assist with mobility or self-care such as wheelchairs, gait trainers, and bath chairs. PTH also operates an equipment sharing program available for families that cannot afford the expensive equipment needed to care for their children with disabilities.
Nate and Stacey Vrtiska have benefited tremendously from PTH. Their son, Judah, 4, has a rare genetic disorder. “PTH has assisted in finding the right medical devices to help our son learn to stand and walk with assistance. Our dream of seeing our son walk independently someday doesn’t seem as far out of reach anymore,” said Stacey Vrtiska.
“The opening of a clinic space aligns with our overarching mission to make pediatric care accessible and affordable for children with disabilities and developmental delays,” said Peterson. “A great deal of energy and love went into creating this space, and we are so excited to now expand services to our community.”
Families who want more information or wish to make an appointment can visit pediatrictherapieshawaii.com or call (808) 446-2032. PTH accepts all forms of insurance. A small blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the clinic on December 1, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. Due to COVID-19, any press inquiries should be directed to Amy Peterson in advance.
