At Peak Performance Physical Therapy, we provide pediatric physical therapy for children from infancy through young adulthood. Our skilled and experienced therapists are dedicated to helping children and their families achieve developmental milestones and growth goals. Our mission is to ensure every child can thrive and fully participate in their home, school, and community environments.
Pediatric physical therapy supports your child’s independence as they grow and navigate new challenges. Many therapy activities may feel like play—such as jumping, climbing, or dancing—while others focus on essential life skills like dressing, eating, or writing.
We also equip parents with practical tips and guidance to support progress at home, recognizing that you are a vital part of your child’s therapy journey. Your input and feedback are invaluable, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, expert care for your child every step of the way!
In Health,
Jill Marlan, PT, OMPT, MSPT, CSCS
CEO/ Founder
As proud as you are of your child’s courage on the playground or sports field, it’s natural to worry about potential injuries like sprains, strains, accidents, or overuse. The good news? You and your child can take proactive steps to reduce these risks. Here are some smart preventative strategies to help active kids stay safe:
Nutrition and Hydration
- Balanced Diet: Encourage healthy, natural foods over processed snacks and sugary drinks to fuel their activity.
- Proper Hydration: Ensure your child drinks enough water and maintains a balance of electrolytes. Our physical therapists can provide guidance on hydration strategies.
Recognizing and Responding to Injuries
- Know the Signs: Teach your child to recognize symptoms of sprains, strains, fractures, or other injuries and to stop playing immediately when they appear.
- Avoid Playing Through Pain: Emphasize that pushing through pain can lead to more severe, long-term issues.
Warm-Up and Cool-Down
- Warm-Up Exercises: Simple jogging or stretches before activity can help prevent soft tissue injuries.
- Cool-Down Stretches: After play, gentle stretching helps tissues recover and reduces soreness.
Equipment and Safety
- Protective Gear: Invest in proper, well-fitting gear and ensure your child knows how to use it correctly.
- Check for Hazards: Remind your child to secure shoelaces and inspect their surroundings for potential dangers before playing.
Technique and Training
- Proper Techniques: Poor form with sports equipment can cause injuries like tendonitis or back pain. If needed, consider hiring a private coach to teach proper techniques.
Physical Preparedness
- Build Strength and Agility: Address any muscle weaknesses, imbalances, or functional limitations with physical therapy to enhance safety and performance.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Our physical therapy team can assess your child’s balance, coordination, strength, range of motion, and gait to identify and correct any issues.
At Peak Performance Physical Therapy, we’re here to support your child’s growth, safety, and success both on and off the field. Let us help your young athlete play smarter and safer!
Andria Amendt, MD
Dr. Amendt is a general pediatrician at Lansing Pediatric Associates. She attended medical school at the University of Michigan and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. After residency, Dr. Amendt practiced hospital medicine at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee before returning to the Lansing area to serve children and families as a primary care physician in her hometown. Dr. Amendt entered the field of pediatrics because she was inspired by the resiliency of children and enjoys forging long-term relationships with children and their parents. Dr. Amendt feels privileged to help patients in our community grow from infants to healthy, active young adults. Her professional interests include adolescent medicine, mental health, and advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and supporting her kids on the sidelines at soccer, baseball and swimming.
Amber Erlenbeck– Physical Therapist
Hi! My name is Amber Erlenbeck and I started as a physical therapist with Peak Performance in September, 2024. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Michigan State University (Go Green!) and my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University. My professional interests include both outpatient orthopedics and pediatrics. I chose to become a physical therapist because I am amazed with what our bodies can achieve and I love being a part of helping our patients reach their health and wellness goals to be the best that they can be.
I am from Grand Rapids, MI and when I am not at home I enjoy spending time downtown with friends and family, going to the lakeshore, reading, and playing with my dog JoJo. I also love returning to East Lansing for Spartan athletic events. I am very grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact as a physical therapist on those in both of my communities.
Nate Sobania– Licensed Massage Therapist | Lead Physical Therapy Technician– Okemos
I am Nate Sobania and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist from Dimondale, Mi. I grew up in Jackson, Mi and moved to East Lansing in 2014 while my wife, Betsie, was attending Michigan State University. I attended Lansing Community College in 2023/2024 and graduated with a certificate of completion for Massage Therapy. My hobbies include golfing with my friends, reading books to my son, Wilder, and going to his swim lessons at Gold Fish Swim School, playing pickleball and watching the Detroit Lions.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries are small injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones that occur when a part of the body is repeatedly stressed. They’re also known as repetitive stress injuries.
Children are more likely to get overuse injuries because their muscles, tendons, and bones may grow at different rates.
Proper conditioning and training, wearing appropriate protective gear, and using proper equipment can help prevent overuse injuries.
