Doctors often recommend physiotherapy for children and teenagers who have movement problems and injuries as caused by disability, disease or illness. Physiotherapists work to reduce the pain and help kids and teens return to their normal daily activities such as schooling, playing and exercising. They facilitate guided exercise modules to kids to help them regain strength and range of motion. Also, they teach parents and their children how to prevent future injuries.
The Role of a Paediatric Physiotherapist
Paediatric Physiotherapists are medical specialists whose aim is to improve body movements in babies, children and adolescents. It is a clinical area of physiotherapy which utilises various methods of treatment such as motor learning and play, adapted equipment, stretching, exercise, strengthening and movement training. Along the process, education is also provided in order for the kids to understand the importance of therapy in the achievement of a normal well-being.
Physiotherapy in children is different from adult treatment considering that there is a big difference in their anatomical, physiological and psychological aspects. These issues are considered to ensure that treatment is carried out in a holistic approach.
How does physiotherapy help children?
- Paediatric Physiotherapy provides early intervention to children diagnosed with developmental delays, neurological disorder and sensory impairments related to vision and hearing.
- Physiotherapy helps children cope with pain as caused by positional and biomechanical sports injuries.
- Physiotherapy helps children improve on postural problems as caused by mobile activities such as dancing, running or falling from an elevated spot.
- Physiotherapy provides relief to children experiencing body pains as caused by accidents like that of a vehicle or calamity.
- Physiotherapy helps in the development of children’s motor skills needed to complete their daily activities
Common Concerns from Parents
- Low birth-weight babies (less than 1500g)
- Premature babies (less than 36 weeks gestational age)
- Newborn babies having flat spots on the back or side of their heads, especially after 7 weeks old
- Newborn babies with weak appetite
- Newborn babies not tolerating tummy time
- Babies and toddlers who have difficulty with walking, crawling, sitting and rolling.
- Toddlers with knock knees, in-rolling ankles, bow legs, pigeon toes
- Children who have difficulties with running, walking, balance and coordination
- Children who complain of frequent muscular pain
- Children with poor posture
- Children and teenagers who have any sports related injuries
- Children who encounter frequent falls and poor coordination and balance
When these issues are manifested from your children, see a doctor immediately. They will provide the needed medication and prescribe aftercare treatment as administered by a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy covers almost all types of health problems encountered by children. Apart from the above-mentioned issues, the following are problems which need intervention:
- cerebral palsy
- heart and lung conditions
- developmental delays
- genetic disorders
- orthopaedic disabilities/injuries
- effects of in-utero drug or alcohol exposure
- birth defects (such as spina bifida)
- head injury
- acute trauma
- muscle diseases
- limb deficiencies
- sports injuries
Physiotherapists treat children using a variety of methods that will allow them to improve gradually over a number of therapy sessions. Depending on the child’s age and condition, the following techniques are carried out:
- balance and coordination activities
- developmental activities, such as walking and crawling
- aquatic (water) therapy
- adaptive play
- training to build strength around an injury
- improving circulation around injuries by using heat, cold, exercise, electrical stimulation, massage, and ultrasound
- instruction on how to avoid injuries
- flexibility exercises to increase range of motion
- safety and prevention programs
During a visit, the physiotherapist usually performs a step-by-step procedure in assessing the child’s condition. The first step is measuring the child’s strength and flexibility. Second is an analysis of the child’s ability to walk and run. Third is identifying potential problems. Fourth is recommendation for therapy. The fifth and the last step is providing instructions for home exercise programs. Part of the evaluation process is also to consult with other medical professionals and school personnel about the child’s medical history.
Children are naturally playful that getting an injury or accident becomes a frequent scenario. While some issues are simple and manageable, serious cases must be dealt with by a specialist. This is what makes the best physio on St Kilda Road essential for children. Whether the health problem is genetic, due to an illness, or caused by injury, the application of physiotherapy can make recovery faster. As a result, kids are able to enjoy their childhood without the apprehension of limited body movements. Overall, normality in life is achieved.