Photo credit: COM Physical Therapy

What to know: A new expansion of pediatric therapy services at COM Aquatics, led by physical therapist Kelsey McDonald, is bringing baby development classes, intensive therapy options, and a hybrid care model to families in Midland.

The expansion includes four-week baby classes that do not require a prescription, along with intensive therapy programs offered multiple times per week to support faster developmental progress.

The big picture: McDonald told The Permian Press that her goal is to close gaps in early childhood intervention by creating services families can access sooner, especially those navigating waitlists or unsure where to start.

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“We didn’t want parents to have to have a prescription,” McDonald said. “We wanted any parent to be able to come and just be like, ‘I’m worried about my baby’s development.’”

Baby classes focus on play-based learning, giving parents tools they can use at home. In contrast, her intensive therapy options provide a more structured approach, typically meeting three to four times per week to help children progress more quickly.

McDonald also introduced a hybrid model that combines in-clinic sessions with home visits. That flexibility allows therapists to meet families where they are, while still using specialized equipment when needed. Inside the clinic, that includes trampolines, ramps, stairs, and sensory spaces designed to target specific developmental skills.

Go deeper: Demand is already growing as more families seek specialized pediatric care, including treatments such as myofascial release for infants with torticollis, gas discomfort, or constipation. The expansion gives Midland families another option at a time when early intervention can make a lasting difference. It also creates easier entry points into care, from no-referral baby classes to more structured therapy plans.

For McDonald, she said her focus will stay on long-term development.

“I just want to help kids meet their potential… and what they’re capable of,” she said.

What’s next: Families interested in pediatric therapy can call 432-618-9952 or email [email protected] for more information. Baby classes are available without a referral, while one-on-one and intensive therapy programs require a doctor’s referral.

Located at COM Aquatics, the clinic is open Monday through Saturday and continues to expand services as demand grows across Midland.