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 PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY?
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.
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.
A
paediatric physiotherapist has basic physiotherapy training but then
specialises in the knowledge of movement, development and conditions
that are likely to affect the baby and growing child. Paediatric
therapists treat from 1-day-old babies to adolescents.
Treatment
may involve soft tissue massage, mobilisation, stretching,
specific therapeutic exercises and posture education. Performed gently and without
pain, physiotherapy can be a great deal of fun for both the child
and the carers/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.
WHAT
IS A PAEDIATRIC (CHILDREN'S) PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
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 neuromuscular development
or the respiratory (lungs) system.
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.
* Growing pains
* Sports Injuries
* Whiplash Associated Injuries
* Muscles, Tendons & Ligament Injuries
* Postural Problems
* Post-op & Injury Rehabilitation
* Post-op & Injury Mobility Problems
* Poor Balance
* Muscle Imbalance
Examples
of different physiotherapy interventions
·
Specific
exercises to be incorporated into daily living activities at home or
at school. These are often designed as games or play
activities
·
General
/ condition specific advice
·
Short
intensive clinic based exercises
·
Gait
/ movement analysis and recommendations
·
Specific
aid provision
MCSP,
BSc Hons Physiol. Reg with Health Professions Council
and CSP member. CRB Approved
© Copyright 2010 M Bill Physiotherapy. All Rights Reserved.
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