Houston, TX: (832) 308-0381    BIRMINGHAM, AL: (205) 634-2115

info@physiobabypt.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Pediatric Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?

Traditionally, Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on gross motor skills like rolling, crawling, walking, balance, and coordination, while Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on fine motor skills, sensory regulation, and daily living skills like feeding. In infants and young children, however, these skill areas naturally overlap during development. 

At PhysioBaby, we take a holistic, hands-on approach rather than separating care into strict categories. Our therapists address the body as a whole; and our PTs and OTs often work together to address movement, feeding, and functional skills within a single plan of care. During your evaluation, we’ll determine the best approach for your child’s needs to ensure they receive the comprehensive support they deserve. 

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is a gentle, hands-on technique that addresses tension and restrictions in the body’s connective tissue (fascia) from head to toe. At PhysioBaby, we use this technique to support comfort, balance, and overall function in infants and young children. 

CFT may be helpful for babies struggling with latching or feeding difficulties, colic, reflux, torticollis, or general discomfort. By gently addressing restrictions throughout the body, we help calm your baby’s nervous system and improve their movement patterns to support easier feeding, better head and neck mobility, and improved regulation overall.

No, your child does not need a referral to schedule an evaluation at PhysioBaby. You can contact us directly to get started! However, your specific insurance plan may require a referral for coverage, depending on your policy. Our team is happy to help you verify your insurance requirements and guide you through the process.

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a research-based pediatric therapy approach that uses purposeful, repetitive movements to help children build strength, balance, coordination, and postural control. These movements gently challenge your child while activating key parts of their nervous system to support their motor development. 

At PhysioBaby, we use DMI as part of our comprehensive, hands-on approach to care. This method is tailored to your child’s individual needs to help them work toward functional skills like sitting, standing, and walking while building confidence. 

We specialize in hands-on pediatric physical and occupational therapy for infants from the newborn stage through school-age. Our team supports babies and young children through individualized care designed to meet their developmental and functional needs. 

We also offer therapy for the whole family, including manual therapy and dry needling for parents and caregivers. These services are designed to help you stay comfortable and mobile as you support your child’s growth and development.

Babies with Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) may show signs such as difficulty latching to the breast or bottle, feeding-related discomfort, poor weight gain, reflux, gassiness, or tension in the jaw or neck. If your baby has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, they may benefit from additional feeding support, especially if they need a surgical release (frenectomy). 

At PhysioBaby, our therapists specialize in pre- and post-frenectomy care and take a hands-on approach to support your baby’s oral movement, feeding comfort, and overall function. Whether you’re preparing for a release procedure or navigating feeding challenges afterward, we’ll help guide you through the process and determine the most appropriate next steps for your baby.

In Birmingham, PhysioBaby accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including BCBS All Kids. In Houston, our concierge services operate out-of-network; but we do provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. 

We also accept credit cards and HSAs/FSAs, and our team is happy to help with a quick benefits check so you can understand your coverage before your first appointment. 

Our adult specialized physical therapist has comprehensive orthopedic therapy training targeting many musculoskeletal conditions active adults often experience. Her treatment specialty includes Dry Needling to help adults experiencing muscle pain, tightness, or movement restrictions. This treatment is effective for common conditions that affect caregivers, such as sciatica, chronic lower back pain, tension headaches, and shoulder/arm pain caused by repetitive lifting and carrying.

This service is part of our Therapy for the Whole Family approach and is designed to help parents and caregivers feel more comfortable in daily life so you can help your baby grow. 

Therapy session length at PhysioBaby can vary based on your child’s age, needs, and the type of service being provided. Most therapy sessions are scheduled for 1 hour in order to achieve a comprehensive treatment approach without the rush. During your child’s evaluation, we’ll discuss what to expect and recommend a session structure that best supports your child and your family.

If you have specific questions about scheduling or session length, give us a call! Our team is always happy to walk you through the details before your first visit.

At PhysioBaby, we support a wide range of developmental and functional areas in infants and young children. These often include movement skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking, as well as feeding skills, regulation, and comfort in daily activities.

We also frequently work with babies who have head or neck preferences, head shape concerns, oral restrictions, or whole-body tension that may affect their feeding, movement, or regulation skills. Rather than focusing on isolated milestones, our therapists take a hands-on, holistic approach to help your child’s body function more efficiently so their skills can develop naturally over time.

Dr. Alex Guthrie

Dr. Alex Guthrie graduated from the University of Mississippi where she obtained her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and went on to earn her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Birmingham’s own Samford University. Whether working with a newborn just discharged from the NICU, a toddler learning to walk, or a child navigating a complex diagnosis, Alex meets each family where they are. Daily connections with people are what fuel her passion for this work – watching a child’s eyes light up when they master a new skill, celebrating progress with proud parents, or finding just the right treatment to unlock movement. Alex began her career in a pediatric outpatient clinic where she collaborated with OTs and SLPs to help children reach their fullest potential. Alex specializes in pediatric development and has experience with treating a wide variety of diagnoses such as: torticollis, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, down syndrome, and spina bifida. Outside the clinic, you’ll often find Alex at Ignite Cycle, spending time with her husband and their dog and cat, or baking at home for family and friends.

Peggy McGimsey

Peggy McGimsey, affectionately known as “Buggy” to her grandchildren and the entire PhysioBaby family, is both the proud mother of founder Katie Dougherty and a valued member of the team as a Physical Therapy Tech.

With a professional career spanning more than 40 years in the marketing industry, Peggy brings with her a wealth of organizational skills, creativity, and people-centered experience. In 2024, she embraced a new chapter by joining PhysioBaby, where her warmth, encouragement, and attention to detail have made her an integral part of both the clinic and the families it serves.

Known to everyone at PhysioBaby as the “practice grandma,” Buggy helps support therapists and families alike, ensuring sessions run smoothly and children feel welcomed in a nurturing environment. Her transition from the corporate world to pediatric therapy reflects her heart for service and her joy in working alongside her daughter and the PhysioBaby team.

Anne Jenkins

Anne received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Clemson University and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). While she was at MUSC, she completed the South Carolina Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (SC LEND) program. In doing so, she completed over 300 hours of research, course work, clinical, and leadership training experiences with the purpose of improving the health of infants, children and adolescents with disabilities.

Following school, she started her career in pediatrics working in both outpatient and inpatient facilities in Charleston, South Carolina. She was thrilled to make her way to Birmingham after her fíance matched at UAB to complete his surgery residency.

Anne is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Intro Level C trained and certified. Additionally, she is trained and certified in Task Specific Electrostimulation (TASES). In her free time, you can find Anne spending time outdoors, relaxing on her porch, at a workout class, traveling, cooking, or trying new restaurants with her friends and family.

Dr Kathleen Wild, PT, DPT, C/NDT
Sugarland, Richmond, Katy, Southwest Houston

Dr. Kathleen Wild graduated with a doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2018. She began her career in pediatric acute care at Children’s of Alabama before transitioning to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. There, she honed her skills in inpatient rehabilitation with special emphasis on cerebral palsy, as well as pediatric brain and spinal cord injury. Most recently, she has experience caring for critically ill infants and children in the intensive care setting at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, treating conditions such as congenital heart disease, neurologic involvement, prematurity, tracheostomy/ventilator dependence, and a variety of genetic conditions. Kathleen has advanced certification training in pediatric Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT). She recently joined the Physiobaby team and is so excited to pivot her skills from the hospital to the home, caring for babies in their most comfortable environment.

Kathleen is a wife and mom to two beautiful little girls, Lucy and Molly.

Dr Trisha Thorne, PT, DPT, PCS, C/NDT, CNT
The Woodlands, Spring, North Houston regions

Dr Trisha Thorne is a licensed physical therapist and Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS). She has over 15 years of expertise in pediatric settings including Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU), multidisciplinary NICU follow up clinic, hospital outpatient settings, home health, and private practice. She is a Certified Neonatal Therapist, Certified Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapist, and Certified Neurodevelopmental Therapist. She specializes in myofascial/manual therapy interventions, treating medically fragile infants; as well as, infants with torticollis and developmental delays. As a wife and mother of two boys, she intimately understands the family centered care model to provide exceptional care and treatment of your little one.

Texas Children’s Hospital ​

Advanced Clinical Specialist 2015-present

​Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Texas Womans University, 2009

​Masters of Physical Therapy

Texas Womans University, 2007

​Bachelor’s of Science in Microbiology

University of Texas at El Paso, 1999

Dr Anne Grace Clement
PRN Birmingham

Dr. Anne Grace received her Bachelor of Science with a major in Exercise Science from Auburn University and graduated with a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University before beginning her career at Children’s of Alabama. She has over 5 years of experience in inpatient pediatric therapy specializing in the care of critically ill children, rehabilitation of children with neurological impairments such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and neurodevelopment delay, as well as children who are tracheostomy/ventilator dependent. Dr. Anne Grace began her career at Physiobaby in 2024 as a PRN therapist and is excited about transitioning from the pediatric hospital setting to this holistic outpatient practice. When not working, Dr. Anne Grace enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, one year old daughter, and black lab.

Waverly Kosinski, MSOT, OTR
Houston, TX

Waverly is a licensed occupational therapist who joins Physiobaby in 2024 with 4 years of experience. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Waverly has experience in treating patients of all ages including children in acute rehabilitation, in-hospital (PICU and Acute Care), and outpatient settings. Waverly worked at Texas Children’s Hospital for multiple years on the inpatient (PICU and acute care) and outpatient units where she was able to combine her love of pediatrics with the medical complexity of the hospital setting. Waverly has experience treating patients with an array of medical needs, including developmental delays, autism, neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, feeding and oral motor difficulties in medically complex patients recovering in the ICU/acute care and outpatient settings. She is looking forward to continuing to hone her skills in manual therapy and myofascial release. She is also currently initiating the process of becoming Board certified in Pediatrics. Waverly strongly believes in a family centered and holistic approach to patient care with strive to have continued collaboration with providers and families to help children reach their full potential. Waverly is also a wife and mother to her son and 2 dogs.

Dr Alexandra Plagenhoef
Birmingham, AL

Dr. Alexandra Plagenhoef is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. From the very beginning, Alexandra knew she was passionate about working with babies and children of all ages and loves working alongside these families to help their little ones reach their full potential. She started her career in Houston, Texas at a pediatric outpatient clinic and upon moving to Alabama, she continued her career at Children’s of Alabama where she gained advanced training in intensive therapy and cardiac rehabilitation. She specializes in pediatric development and has treated a variety of diagnoses including torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental delay, toe walking, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida and more. Alexandra joined the PhysioBaby team in the summer of 2024 and is excited to continue her passion here in her hometown of Birmingham. She is happily married to her husband, Alex, and has two precious little girls, Blair and Collins.

Brittany Houck, PT, MPT
The Woodlands, TX

Brittany is a licensed physical therapist with over 10 years of experience working with babies and children with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diagnoses. She received her masters degree in physical therapy from The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2010 where she realized right away she wanted to specialize in pediatrics. She spent the first several years of her career in inpatient rehabilitation for children with developmental disabilities where she gained experience in adaptive equipment, aquatic therapy, and orthotics. After starting a family in 2015, she took her skills to a brand new and quickly growing outpatient therapy clinic for children and babies with a variety of diagnoses such as torticollis, plagiocephaly, toe walking, growing pains, developmental delay, genetic differences, cerebral palsy, impairments related to prematurity and/or birth trauma, and more. In addition to treating a wide variety of ages and diagnoses, she gained 6 years of experience in management as Physical Therapy Director, then Director of Rehabilitative Services as the outpatient clinic grew. After several years in management, she realized her heart was in patient care and providing her expertise in motor milestone attainment and neuromuscular recovery to children and their families.

Her family relocated from Oklahoma to her hometown of The Woodlands, Texas, in 2023 with the goal of being closer to family and focusing their careers on patient care. She is excited to work with your family to help you and your child meet their developmental and wellness goals.

Brittany is married to a physical therapist who specializes in treating adults with orthopedic impairments. They have three children: a girl and two boys. When they’re not with patients, you can find them spending time with extended family or shuffling their kids between sports and activities!

Dr Samantha Newcomb
Birmingham, AL

Dr. Samantha Newcomb graduated with her doctorate from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and was on the transdisciplinary team where she collaborated with OTs, PTs and child life specialists in pediatric care. She has advanced training in manual techniques including myofascial release, visceral mobilization, fascial movement taping, instrument assisted manual therapy, trigger point dry needling and joint manipulation. She also completed training in neuroplasticity techniques and reflex integration.

For over 10 years, Dr Samantha has been treating pediatric and adult patients in an outpatient clinic setting using her manual skills and Pilates techniques. She has treated a range of diagnoses from plagiocephaly, torticollis and toe walking to joint pain, post surgical care and adolescent athletes. At Vanderbilt Rehab Hospital, she worked with children recovering from traumatic brain injuries, stroke and neurodevelopmental delays. She has enjoyed treating a variety of patients and collaborating with other health care clinicians in providing excellent patient-focused care.

Dr Samantha joined Physiobaby in July 2022 and is excited to bring her professional skills and love of building lasting relationships to her patients and their families. As a wife and mother of 3 boys, she intimately understands the individual needs of a child and looks forward to caring for your precious little one.

Dr Lorraine Harris
Houston, T

Dr. Lorraine Harris is a licensed physical therapist. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Quickly following school, she found her passion for pediatrics and decided to specialize in the pediatric outpatient setting, treating patients with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. After years of experience at Texas Children’s Hospital and outpatient private practice, she pivoted her skills into the concierge home therapy setting with PhysioBaby Physical Therapy & Wellness, LLC. Dr. Lorraine integrates her extensive training with Neurodevelopmental Technique (NDT), Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), aquatic therapy and myofascial release techniques into her sessions.

Dr. Lorraine is a wife and mother to her two young children, Benjamin and Clara.

 

Lauren Lovett, PT, DPT
Birmingham, AL

Dr Lauren graduated with a doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She began her career at Children’s of Alabama and has over 11 years of experience in inpatient pediatric therapy with an emphasis on care of critically ill infants, including infants with congenital heart disease, neurologic involvement, prematurity, tracheostomy/ventilator dependent, gastrointestinal disease, and a variety of genetic conditions. She has advanced training in general development from birth to 3 years, neurodevelopment, neuroprotection in the ICU, sensorimotor development, and care of children and infants with congenital heart disease. Dr. Lauren began her career at Physiobaby in 2023 and is excited to pivot her skills from the hospital to a holistic outpatient setting.

Dr Lauren is a wife and mom of 2.

Chelsea Kerr

Chelsea Kerr joined the PhysioBaby Physical Therapy & Wellness Team as our Patient Care Coordinator in the Fall of 2020 and became our Houston Practice Manager in September 2022. Chelsea holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Human Movement Science from Louisiana State University.

Chelsea has gained valuable industry experience through her time spent as a Physical Therapy (PT) Tech in both the Texas Children’s and Memorial Herman Hospital systems. After briefly taking time away, Chelsea found herself thriving as an Executive Administrative Assistant where her focus moved to a coordination and quality of service role. Her skills and experience, not only in the PT industry, but also in coordinating quality customer care make her an unmatched asset too all. When she is a not helping the PhysioBaby team, Chelsea is likely spending time at home with her husband and their two beautiful girls.

“Often, the Patient Care Coordinator is the first and occasionally the last point of contact the family has in the care process. With this in mind, I believe that the level of care provided by the DPT must be replicated in all aspects of the process from introduction to discharge.”

Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with concentration in Human Movement Science

Louisiana State University, 2014

Dr Katie Dougherty
Birmingham, AL

“Dr Katie,” owner and lead clinician at PhysioBaby, is a licensed physical therapist (PT, DPT) with years of experience in pediatric therapy. After completing her doctorate at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, she honed her career skills at Texas Children’s Hospital, contributing to innovative therapy program development in the Plagiocephaly Clinic, Vascular Anomalies Center, and Lung Transplant Program. Catherine is a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT-LANA) and has advanced skills in pediatric myofascial release with a particular niche in “ankyloglossia bodywork.” She completed Gillespie Craniosacral Fascial Therapy training (CFT). She has special interests in holistic, multidisciplinary therapeutic treatment for babies and young children with neurodevelopment and postural concerns. Dr Katie is also a wife and mom to her young children, a daughter and a son.

​”As a pediatric physical therapist, I believe in meeting a baby and their family where they are on their journey. I aim to support comprehensive needs of baby and family along the way. This means becoming a part of the baby’s world and prioritizing what is important to the baby and family to achieve. Meeting physical and emotional needs of a baby and their family is critical to achieve optimal outcomes through physical therapy.

As a parent, I believe that my worlds as a pediatric physical therapist and mom complement one another in a special way. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I look forward to learning more about you and your precious baby!”

​Texas Children’s Hospital ​

Advanced Clinical Specialist, 2012-2020

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2011​

​Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.S.)

University of Alabama, 2007