Wendi McKenna
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Official "Ask the Expert"
Wendi McKenna is the owner of Strides Physical Therapy, Inc., a pediatric physical therapy clinic in Solana Beach, CA. Within that practice, she and her colleague, Rachel Griffin, created a Baby + Child Wellness program called Move Play Grow to address a growing need for more developmental specialists to work with the general population and provide prevention and wellness services.
In her more than 12 years of practice as a pediatric physical therapist, Wendi has witnessed an unprecedented increase in preventable medical diagnoses in infants and young children. In otherwise healthy babies, she receives referrals for plagiocephaly/brachycephaly, torticollis, and general developmental delay more frequently than ever. And it is hard to ignore the growing number of babies out in public wearing cranial-remolding helmets/orthoses. Wendi is a professional dedicated to her practice and passionate about sharing her knowledge to enhance the development of all babies and children by promoting more healthful and active lifestyles.
Outside her work life, Wendi has an incredible, loving and supportive husband and three beautiful children ages 6, 4, and 5 months! Wendi loves to spend time with her family, and places a high priority on an active family lifestyle. One cherished weekly tradition is going out for a family breakfast and heading to the park to play afterwards…she is always looking for new places!
Episodes for this expert
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Twin Developmental Milestones: Movement and Physical Activity
We continue our series focused on developmental milestones for your twins. When it comes to movement and physical activity, what should you expect? Are twins constantly in competition with one another to crawl, walk, etc? What should you do if one twin is lagging behind the other?
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Container Babies: The Danger of Infant Restraints
It’s hard to walk through baby stores without feeling like you need absolutely everything on the shelves. But, when it comes to devices that restrain your baby, less is probably best. Today we’re learning all about the concept of “container babies” and the potential harmful effects it could have on your child’s development.
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Tummy Time for Infant Development
Your baby needs “tummy time” from the moment he comes home from the hospital. What are the main benefits of this gentle exercise? How can it help in your baby’s development? And what are some strategies to help a fussy baby feel at home on his belly?
