How does paediatric physiotherapy work?

Why is paediatric physiotherapy necessary? What do you do?

People frequently say “Um, ok.” Why do children need to see a physiotherapist? in response when I identify myself as a paediatric physiotherapy or a physiotherapist who works with infants and children. 

Most people are typically aware of what adult physiotherapists can do, which is assist those who have movement issues. Aiding those who have sore knees, shoulders, backs, or necks is one example of this. Another is helping those who need to regain their ability to move after surgery or a neurological injury like a stroke or brain injury. But few people are aware of what a physiotherapist can do for a baby or young child.

Children are not simply miniature adults; they have different physical characteristics, ways of moving, and ways of thinking. Because of this, newborns and kids will benefit from seeing a physiotherapist who has paediatric training and experience. Experts in child development, particularly as it relates to movement development, are paediatric physiotherapists. Babies and young children’s growth depends greatly on movement. Being able to move comfortably and successfully is crucial for learning and growth. Movement enables newborns and children to study their bodies and how they function, as well as their surroundings and all the objects in it.

Pediatric physiotherapists are highly skilled in the evaluation, recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of children’s mobility and developmental issues. We employ our highly developed hands-on abilities, together with a healthy dose of humour, creativity, and fun, to create tailored therapy plans for each of our clients. We work together with the young person, their family, other medical professionals, and teachers or other educators. Our treatment plans are designed to maximise each child’s health, wellbeing, and talents so they can move freely and take part in activities of daily living including playing, learning, attending school, and being a part of a family and community.

Among the many different mobility problems or issues that paediatric physiotherapists can assist with are the following:

Babies and kids that take longer than expected to reach their motor milestones, such as those who learn to sit up, crawl, or walk

Babies and young children who move in peculiar ways, such as w-sitting, bottom shuffling, or toe walking

Children who have trouble with their motor abilities, such as hopping or catching a ball,

Babies and toddlers who struggle with balance or clumsiness

Children with disabilities, including those caused by inherited syndromes or disorders such cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, brain damage, muscular dystrophies, or other disabilities

Babies and children with conditions that affect their bones, joints, or muscles, such as Plagiocephaly (flattened head shape), clubfoot, flat feet, excessively supple or dislocating joints, congenital conditions like Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome, and common musculoskeletal problems (like Sever’s disease, patellofemoral pain), should be evaluated.

Children who suffer from rheumatic diseases and pain conditions such myositis, arthritis, or persistent pain

Children who have experienced trauma or injury and need therapy to become better youngsters who ruminate

children who suffer from long-term respiratory illnesses including cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or primary ciliary dyskinesia

Given that all areas of a child’s development are interconnected, you can anticipate a lengthier appointment time when you bring your child to one of our paediatric physiotherapists than you would at other practises. We also understand that some children require a little extra time to “warm up,” and we don’t want to hurry your child if they need a little extra time. If your child is happy and engaged rather than tense or agitated, we will be able to better understand their talents and needs.

At the physiotherapy appointment for your child, we will:

Utilizing our abilities for observation, extra precautions, and specialised hands-on testing methods, we can evaluate your child’s motor and general development.

Develop a treatment plan with you and your kid that tries to address your child’s issues and maximise their potential after determining what your child is doing well, what they are having difficulty with, and why they are experiencing difficulties.

Direct hands-on physical therapy, education about your child’s condition and ways they can get better, providing your child with exercises or activities to do at home or school that will help them progress, trying out and being prescribed specialised orthotics, splints, or equipment to support your child’s development, and referral to and/or coordination with other health professionals and support providers may all be a part of your child’s treatment.