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

info@physiobabypt.com

Pediatric Therapy for Hypertonia
in Birmingham, AL, & Houston, TX

Does your child seem unusually stiff or tight when they move? Do everyday activities like reaching, crawling, or walking seem more difficult because their body doesn’t move as freely as it should? These challenges may be a sign of hypertonia.

At PhysioBaby Therapy & Wellness, our pediatric physical and occupational therapists work together to help your child with hypertonia develop the skills needed to move through their day with greater comfort and flexibility.

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What Is Hypertonia?

Hypertonia is a condition where a child’s muscles remain unusually tight, even when they are resting. Children with hypertonia may have difficulty bending their joints, walking smoothly, or coordinating their movements. It can also affect balance, posture, and overall motor development.

Hypertonia is more commonly seen in children who were born prematurely or who have neurological conditions that affect how the brain communicates with the muscles, such as cerebral palsy. In some cases, a child may show signs of hypertonia even when no specific cause is identified.

Signs of Hypertonia in Children

Signs of hypertonia often appear in early childhood and include:

  • Having stiff or rigid arms and legs that are hard to bend
  • Keeping hands clenched in fists
  • Having difficulty changing positions, such as sitting to standing
  • Reaching milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking later than expected
  • Walking or moving with effortful, awkward, or uneven patterns
  • Favoring one side of the body or one limb during movement
  • Having difficulty chewing or swallowing due to tight facial and mouth muscles

How Pediatric Therapy Helps Children with Hypertonia

At PhysioBaby Therapy & Wellness, our pediatric physical and occupational therapists therapists work together to support your child using engaging, play-based therapy. We create a personalized therapy plan to help your child improve range of motion, increase flexibility, reduce stiffness, strengthen balance and coordination, and develop smoother movement patterns.

Hypertonia doesn’t typically go away on its own, but with early intervention through pediatric therapy, your child can develop healthier movement patterns and build a stronger foundation for mobility and independence.

Why Choose PhysioBaby Therapy & Wellness

Since 2019, PhysioBaby Therapy & Wellness has supported infants and young children in Birmingham, AL, and Houston, TX, with individualized pediatric physical and occupational therapists therapy. Our physical and occupational therapists therapists collaborate to develop coordinated care plans that consider your child’s development as a whole. We also work closely with parents to share practical strategies that will support your child’s comfort and progress at home. Our goal is for your child to feel more comfortable in their body so they can enjoy everyday moments with family, friends, and at school to the fullest.

Reach Out Today

If you are concerned your child may be showing signs of hypertonia, contact PhysioBaby Therapy & Wellness in Birmingham, AL, at (205) 634-2115, in Houston, TX, at (832) 308-0381, or complete our online contact form to request an evaluation. We look forward to helping your child move through their day with greater comfort and ease.

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