Paediatric Physiotherapy
What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?
Every system of the body changes matures through the different stages from new born to adult. Any disorder in the child’s brain, spinal cord, muscles, sensory systems, bones, etc. will hamper the child’s normal milestones of holding neck, rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, walking, running holding, writing, babbling, speaking etc.
Research has proven that early detection and early intervention of these problems helps the sensory-motor and intellectual development of the child. The treatment is planned by analysing the child’s typical motor, sensory and intellectual development and its relation to body systems and functions.
Treatment techniques involve hands on therapy for sensory motor system facilitation with approaches such as Neuro-Developmental Therapy (NDT), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Rood’s techniques, Motor learning etc.
In what ways does paediatric physiotherapy benefit?
Paediatric Physiotherapy optimises the child's sensory motor development
Paediatric physiotherapy:
- prevents abnormal movement patterns
- improves postures in lying, seating, standing.
- controls abnormal reflexes
- improves muscle tone
- improves range of motion in joints.
- improves child skills of rolling, sitting, crawling etc. hence improves
functional mobility. - improves movement patterns, muscle strength, balance and neuromuscular
coordination thus perform activities easier. - improves walking and moving pattern.
- improves respiratory capacity,
- assists in addressing learning difficulties.
We are equipped to treat children with prematurity, birth injuries, developmental delay, neuromotor problems e.g. Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury etc, Myopathies and Muscular dystrophy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, in the areas of orthopaedics e.g. deformities at birth, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis etc.
Common conditions encountered for paediatric physiotherapy:
- Birth deformities like congenital torticollis, CTEV etc.
- Birth injuries like brachial plexus injury (Erbs palsy)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Autism
- Myopathies
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
… and much more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a Physiotherapist plan a treatment?
A Physiotherapist’s approach to treatment is to treat a ‘person’ rather than “just a body part”.
A Physiotherapist will assess you and make a need-based personalised treatment plan depending on your medical diagnosis, health condition, body mechanics , your existing functions, activities and functional needs at home, workplace and outdoors. The treatment plan includes scientific and evidence-based techniques and a home exercise program which will be customised as per your unique situation, needs and goals.
Is a Doctor's prescription needed prior to Physiotherapy?
Very often Doctors refer the patients for Physiotherapy. Prescription is necessary, especially for post Stroke, Myocardial infarctions, inflammatory disorder, infections, post operative cases, fractures etc. to ensure that the patient is medically stable and can be mobilised.
In case the patient consults a Physiotherapist directly, the Physiotherapist will do a thorough physical examination, diagnosis and guide the patient, and refer to the appropriate medical speciality as necessary. A Physiotherapist is part of the Medical team. They work closely with the Doctors.
Ensure to carry your prior investigations, medical records, discharge summary etc. with you for your consultation.
What is the duration of each session?
This will depend on the type of your health condition. Some may take as less as 15 minutes to some up to 45 min and sometimes even longer for patients with multiple issues.
How many sessions/days of Physiotherapy will I need to take?
This will depend on your health condition. A simple sprain of muscle spasm may be treated in 1-2 sessions whereas conditions like post fractures/ surgery, Stroke, spinal cord injury, respiratory cases may require many more sessions. Your Physiotherapist will be able to guide you.
However, please remember that there will be certain exercises, change of work style habits, Do’s and Dont’s that your Physiotherapist will advise you which you have to carry out routinely for prevention and recurrence of symptoms.