Lauren Johnson,
PT, DPT
At Together We Grow, families can expect to work with the most experienced provider available, because it’s just me! I am a pediatric physical therapist who works as an evaluator and provider for Illinois Early Intervention; I also provide private home-based services for older children and teens. Since earning my Master’s degree in 2004 from Saint Louis University I have been honing my therapeutic skills. A believer in lifelong learning, I have continued my specialty education by taking a variety of pediatric courses, seeking expert mentorship, becoming board specialty certified in pediatric physical therapy (2010), and earning my clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2012). I am also a certified infant massage instructor, an APTA-credentialed clinical instructor, and the Pediatrics Spokesperson for the APTA’s Media Corps. I am trained in General Movements Assessment (Prechtl), and am particularly passionate about appropriate early screening and medical/specialist referrals using the GMA as well as other objective testing (TIMP, HINE).
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My pediatric experience includes a variety of settings and age groups and now focuses exclusively on working in home and community settings. I have extensive experience working with NICU graduates, full-term newborns, and medically complex babies. Tummy time troubles, head shaping issues, and posture/motor asymmetry are common concerns I help address in EI. I enjoy working with individuals in the Down syndrome community as well as building connections among families. I have assisted with identification, care, and research related to rare genetic disorders including Trisomy 18, Rett syndrome, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (4p-), Pallister-Killian syndrome, RARB/MCOPS, CHARGE syndrome, SMA, DMD, and more. For individuals with cerebral palsy, I am passionate about promoting long term FUN and FUNCTION using 24hr postural management and GMFM-assisted goal planning. In my work with teens and adults with developmental disabilities, I incorporate sensitivity and fun!
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My PT “toolbox” is varied and ever-growing, and I have experience using child-led play-based strategies, manual therapies, neurodevelopmental techniques, postural management, and functional strengthening. I incorporate research-supported techniques such as partial body weight supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) and constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). I also employ therapeutic taping (Kinesiotaping), orthotic interventions (helmets, ankle braces, compression garments), adaptive equipment (walkers, gait trainers, standers, bath chairs, wheelchairs). For many families, modifying positioning routines or environmental setups are integral to the PT plan of care.
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I often remind families of Ms. Rachel since I love pink and frequently embed music into PT sessions. Dressing up as Ms. Rachel during Halloween week has become my favorite time of the year!
I am so into plants and gardening that I have veggie-print overalls with built-in kneepads. Really.
My husband and I have two elementary aged boys and a rescue pup who sometimes thinks she’s a housecat.
