A little advice from a physiotherapist - a "Physio check" (assessment) for your baby or child may simply help to put your mind at rest.

What is a Paediatric (Children's) Physiotherapist?

A paediatric physiotherapist has a basic training like other physiotherapists but then specialises in the movement,   development and knowledge of conditions that are likely to affect the baby and growing child. Paediatric therapists treat from 1 day old babies to adolescents.

An Orthopaedic Children's specialist is one who has decided to further specialise in the area of bone,  joints,  muscles and nerves rather than work with problems related to development or the respiratory (lungs) system.

Paediatric physiotherapists have a special affinity for children and help children to achieve their optimal physical development. Because Children are not small adults these therapists encourage children to move to the best of their abilities through play and age appropriate fun and instruction.

What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?

Paediatric physiotherapy is holistic in nature treating the whole child, not just the body in isolation. Following an initial assessment of the child's general development and specific physical difficulty, the therapist will discuss with the parent the immediate and long term requirements and make a plan for appropriate treatment.

Treatment may involve soft tissue massage, mobilisation,  stretching, specific therapeutic exercises,  posture education and even neuro-developmental therapy.  Performed gently and without pain, physiotherapy can be a great deal of fun for both the child and the parents. Whatever techniques are used in therapy, enthusiastic parental involvement at home is essential for optimal long term results.

The paediatric physiotherapist can be both a guide and support. They give advice on how to include regular massage, play and other exercises into a child's daily life, aiming to enhance their overall well being and quality of life. They also offer suggestions on appropriate footwear, toys, home and school furniture and where necessary special  equipment.

Early intervention is vital and many   problems which may only become increasingly apparent as your child grows up can be effectively minimised or prevented by starting treatment early, even as early as during their baby years.

Who can they provide advice to?

They can advise educational and health services teams on the child's needs in relation to their musculoskeletal condition.  

Which childhood conditions can be helped by an Orthopaedic Paediatric Physiotherapist?

The list is endless but includes the bones, Joints, Muscles and Nervous System

For example; growing pains, recurrent dislocations, back and knee pain and sporting injuries.  Generally sports or traumatic injuries on a child are managed differently to similar injuries seen on an adult. Healing times and mechanical forces vary throughout each stage of a child's development.

What can an Orthopaedic Paediatric physiotherapist do?

• Evaluate a child's condition and produce an assessment in order to treat and advise parents, carers and the child (if aware enough) on the condition and informing them on various physiotherapy options working in partnership with them on the most appropriate strategies to enable each child to achieve his/her potential.

• The physiotherapist will work closely with the child's carers teaching through demonstration specific handling techniques to restore and maintain the child's musculoskeletal health.

Examples of different physiotherapy interventions

• Specific exercises to be practiced regularly at home or at school. These are often designed as games or play activities

• General advice to be incorporated into daily living activities

• Short intensive clinic based exercises

• Recommended specific equipment to meet the child's needs e.g. walking aids etc

Where are the clinics?

The Orthopaedic Paediatric Physiotherapist will see children in various locations including clinics, homes, nurseries, mainstream and special schools.