Physical therapy can also be recommended for children who have been injured or have movement problems related to an illness, disease, or disability. After an injury, a physical therapist will work to decrease pain and teach the children exercises to improve movement and strength and help the children return to daily activities and/or sports. In addition, patients and their families will be taught how to prevent future injuries. Physical therapists can also address impairments such as muscle weakness, decreased flexibility, and abnormal tone that may be present in children with various genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, and birth defects such as spina bifida, etc. Intervention strategies are aimed at building strength, normalizing movement patterns, and educating patients/families on strategies to promote functional independence with daily activities and gross motor skills.