605-951-0417
About Tiny Tots PT
Lori Larson, MS PT/ATC
Pediatric Physical Therapist
I am a South Dakota native from the Selby area who attended the University of South Dakota (GO YOTES!) graduating with a BS in Psychology/Athletic Training in 1999 and MS in Physical Therapy in 2001. I began my career working in Sports Medicine at USD and then moved to West Central MN, where I worked for an educational cooperative for 10 years serving children in early intervention and school based settings, in addition to consulting with area therapeutic horseback riding centers. Upon returning to SD in 2012, I spent 4 years working for an educational cooperative serving children birth to 21 in SE SD. In 2016, I started my own private practice - Tiny Tots PT. I am a self proclaimed 'continuing education junkie' and have attended many trainings including (but certainly not limited to): Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Introductory Level A, B & C, Spinal Electrical Stimulation for children with Spina Bifida, Functional Task Specific Electrical Stimulation (TASES), Kineseiotape Application/Use, Level 1 Hippotherapy, Ready Bodies Learning Minds, NDT baby treatment/handling, and am Level 2 trained in the treatment of pediatric postural asymmetries using the TMR Method ©. I am a 24 year member of the Pediatric Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and the SD Physical Therapy Association and have presented nationally on the use of surface EMG on children with arthrogryposis, in addition to presenting more regionally on school based physical therapy services. I reside outside of Canton with my husband, 4 children (ranging from 11 -19 y/o), and 1 Mini-Australian Shepherd. In my 'free time', I enjoy traveling, camping, boating, reading, and watching my kids participate in their myriad of sports.
My Philosophy
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I don't believe in "wait and see", but rather that taking an early approach to helping infants & children is what's best, particularly when it comes to addressing postural asymmetries. Using the TMR Method © allows me to provide a gentle tear free approach to improving mobility by correcting stiffness and postural imbalances that can contribute to developmental problems/delays in achieving symmetrical motor milestones. Parents and caregivers are instructed in how to snuggle and play with their child in family friendly daily routines without having to create at-home 'therapy time' and also without having to do painful stretching!
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I have also recently expanded my treatments to utilizing Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) techniques taught in the Introductory Levels A, B & C classes, with intentions of taking the remaining 2 Intermediate levels. I also pride myself in utilizing electrical stimulation for spinal stim treatments for infant and children with Spina Bifida, in addition to utilizing Functional Task Specific Electrical Stimulation (TASES).
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My approach to PT sessions is a fun, relaxed approach which often starts with a lot of play- I find children do their best work when they're relaxed during a therapy session, not stressed. This is what makes my approach different than a cold, busy clinic. Also, by having sessions in a 1:1 setting without distraction of other children, your child is learning the skills without distractions!
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Symmetry. Movement. Function.
