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Paediatric Physiotherapy
Paediatric Physiotherapy is the treatment of conditions and injuries which affect children. Paediatric physiotherapy can vary from treating a condition to optimise function or assisting with developmental delays, for example: walking and running. Physiotherapists specialise in this area as they require specific knowledge and skills which can be applied to children. Some of the conditions and injuries which are treated by paediatric physiotherapy are:
- Musculoskeletal injuries (fractures and soft tissue injuries)
- Respiratory conditions (cystic fibrosis and asthma)
- Developmental delays (physical milestones e.g. walking)
- Neurological conditions (Cerebral Palsy)
These conditions will require specialised knowledge and skills from the physiotherapist therefore is a specialised discipline of physiotherapy. Paediatric Physiotherapists work within a variety of settings including: schools, community centres, private clinics, hospitals, patients home and hydrotherapy pools. Popular treatments which paediatric physiotherapists provide for children can include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises (to be done by the child or the parent / carer)
- Stimulation treatments (to encourage muscle and nerve activation)
- Gait education / re-education
- Hydrotherapy
- Co-ordination exercises
The paediatric physiotherapist will provide a comprehensive assessment which will determine the appropriate treatments to meet goal which are set between the therapist, parent / carer and patient. Private Paediatric physiotherapists can provide treatment in the setting which is easiest for the patient for example they can offer treatments at the child’s school or within their home environment.
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