Pediatric physical therapy is a specialization that treats children and their unique conditions. Here are some of the ways that it is different from regular physiotherapy.
A pediatric physiotherapist is a specially trained professional that treats babies, children, and adolescents through physical therapy. They use a fun, child-centered approach that is appropriate for the child’s age group. The treatments combine behavioral strategies, games and play to help your child with a number of physical conditions.
You may be wondering how this treatment is different from the way a physiotherapist would treat an adult? Here are a few ways that make physio for kids unique.
Children Are Not Little Adults
Some conditions are unique to children and so there are professional physios in Brampton, like Ortho Neuro Physiocare, who specialize in diagnosing and treating children. Children also do not respond to treatment in the same way that adults will.
Children develop at different stages and it is important that physiotherapy treatments take into account these developmental milestones. Often the treatments are focused on helping a child learn a new skill for the first time, rather than regaining their movements.
If you think your child is having difficulty reaching a developmental milestone because of a preexisting condition or injury, physiotherapists can help design a specialized treatment plan. These plans are designed to develop strength and range of motion and will consider factors such as sensory processing, flexibility, and balance.
Fun, Friendly and Family Centred
Treatments for children are designed to make them more enjoyable and pediatric physiotherapists often use play-based exercises and games to make the exercise fun to do. They also work hard to relate to the child at whatever their development level, cognitive ability or physical state.
Pediatric Physiotherapists are also family-focused and will work with you and your child to develop a plan that is a good fit for everyone. They also tend to be excellent communicators since the plan of treatment involves the whole family.
Children Have Unique Conditions
Pediatric physiotherapy can treat a number of common childhood disorders and conditions that are specific to children. The goal is to help bring some relief from symptoms and more ease of movement. Some conditions that pediatric physiotherapy can treat may even surprise you.
These include:
- Orthopedic Issues such as – Scoliosis, back pain, flat head or other head shape asymmetry (plagiocephaly), torticollis (a tight neck that tilts or turns to one side), feet malformation, hip dysplasia.
Physiotherapists can use a variety of techniques such as massage, manipulation and strengthening exercises to help align and support bones and muscles as your child grows.
- Bladder and Bowel Problems – These are conditions that include urinary and bowel incontinence, constipation and excessive flatulence, urinary and fecal urgency, and pelvic floor weakness or spasms.
Bladder and bowel problems are very common in children and can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort. Physiotherapists can work with your child on strengthening pelvic floor muscles and other exercises that will help alleviate many of these symptoms.
- Symptoms associated with autism, down’s syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, juvenile arthritis
- Common injuries from breaks and sprains to feet, ankles, back, neck, hands, wrist, shoulders, and knees
The goal of pediatric physiotherapy is to help a child move and grow with more strength and ease. They can work with your family to develop a specialized pain treatment plan to help relieve some of the symptoms of painful and worrisome conditions and help children grow to their full potential.