Small Strides Physical Therapy is a private pediatric physical therapy practice offering mobile pediatric physical therapy evaluations and treatment in the home for families on the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts.

​

Hi, I’m Dr. Erin Ward, PT, DPT

I am a licensed pediatric physical therapist, mom of three, and founder of Small Strides Physical Therapy. My goal is to help families feel confident supporting their child’s development through early, supportive, and individualized care.

I believe that small, intentional changes in daily routines can create meaningful progress in motor development, movement patterns, and early developmental milestones.

​

In-Home Pediatric Physical Therapy

I specialize in mobile pediatric PT for infants and toddlers (0–3 years old) across the North Shore of Massachusetts.

In-home care allows me to support children where they are most comfortable while addressing real-life movement and developmental skills.

​

Common areas of support include:

​

• Torticollis and head preference

• Plagiocephaly (head shape concerns)

• Motor delays (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking)

• Muscle tightness or low tone

• Early movement and positioning concerns

​

My Approach

My approach to pediatric physical therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and family-centered.

Each visit includes hands-on treatment and parent coaching so you feel confident continuing progress between sessions. I prioritize clear guidance, realistic strategies, and supportive education without judgment or pressure.

​

I understand that seeking support for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure if what you’re seeing is typical or needs attention. My role is to meet you where you are—with warmth, respect, and reassurance.

Every family is different, and every child’s development unfolds in their own way. That’s why I take the time to truly listen, observe, and understand your concerns without judgment.

​

My goal is for you to leave each session feeling more confident, informed, and supported in your child’s journey.

Because pediatric physical therapy isn’t just about movement—it’s about helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

​

My Story

After moving to Newburyport and growing my family, I developed a deep connection to the North Shore community.

I enjoy time at the beach, long walks, and sunshine—made even better by my husband, our dog, and our three daughters. Becoming a mother has deeply shaped me both personally and professionally, strengthening my skills as a therapist and giving me a deeper understanding of the everyday joys and challenges families experience.

 

When my second daughter developed feeding challenges and movement preferences, I saw firsthand how difficult it can be to find coordinated, whole-body pediatric support. That experience inspired me to create Small Strides Physical Therapy—a practice focused on proactive, collaborative, and whole-body care to treat early developmental concerns such as torticollis and motor delays.

​

Experience

I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons University and began my pediatric career at Spaulding Outpatient Center for Children in Salem, MA. There, I worked with children ages 0–22 across school-based, outpatient, and aquatic therapy settings, treating a wide range of developmental and motor challenges.

​

Why Families Choose Small Strides

Families choose Small Strides for mobile pediatric physical therapy on the North Shore because care is:

​

• Delivered in the comfort of home

• Focused on early intervention and prevention

• Individualized and evidence-based

• Supportive of both child and parent

• Compassionate and family-centered

​

Let’s Connect

​

If you are concerned about your child’s development or looking for pediatric physical therapy in North Shore Massachusetts, I would love to support your family.

​

Together, we can help your child take confident small strides toward meaningful growth.​