Understanding Down Syndrome in Children and the Role of Paediatric Physio
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This can cause a range of developmental problems, including issues with balance, posture, coordination and gross motor skills. Many children with Down Syndrome also have joint, muscle or nervous system problems that can cause weakness.
While there is no cure for Down Syndrome, there are treatments that can help improve the child’s wellbeing. Manual techniques like tactile and proprioceptive input can improve muscle tone and motor coordination in infants with Down Syndrome. Physiotherapy can help children with Down’s syndrome avoid developing abnormal movements. Early intervention is key, so if you suspect that your child has Down Syndrome, please consult a paediatrician for advice.
Early Intervention for Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder that can cause a variety of problems with balance, posture, coordination and gross motor skills. Many children with Down Syndrome also have joint, muscle or nervous system problems that can cause weakness.
For these children, early intervention is crucial. This is where paediatric physiotherapy can help. Physiotherapists can use Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) as early intervention before poor compensatory movement becomes habitual. Intervention at an early age can help increase maximum strength and balance in children with Down Syndrome.
Paediatric Physiotherapy for Down Syndrome in Australia
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This can impact on many aspects of the child’s life, including their physical and mental wellbeing.
Thankfully, there is help available for Down Syndrome children in the form of paediatric physiotherapy. Physiotherapists in Australia are highly skilled professionals who use movement, exercise and manual therapy to help improve the muscle strength and gross motor skills of Down Syndrome patients. They also educate families on how to best support their child developmentally and emotionally.
If you are the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, it is worth discussing paediatric physiotherapy with your doctor. The benefits can be life-changing for both your child and your family.
Improvements and Development With Physio Therapy
When it comes to managing Down Syndrome, paediatric physio can make a huge difference. A comprehensive PT programme will help your child improve their physical outcomes, develop and master skills such as crawling, pulling up and walking. Even more important, PT can help with balance, posture, coordination, and gross motor skills. Plus, it can also help resolve any joint, muscle or nervous system problems that are causing weakness.
With the help of an experienced physio therapist (PT), you will be able to track and monitor the progress your child is making over time. Because of this tracking process, you can easily recognise areas where your child needs extra help or focus on improving specific skills. This also provides a great opportunity to discuss your concerns with a professional and ensure that all treatment goals are being met.
Determining the Right Physio Treatment Plan
Working out the right physio treatment plan for your child is the most important step in helping them improve their wellbeing. Depending on the issue, it could include a combination of sensory integration, massage and therapeutic exercises.
Sensory integration can help improve muscle tone, motor coordination and vision in infants with Down’s syndrome. Physiotherapy can also help children with Down’s syndrome avoid developing abnormal movements as they get older. It is important to start physical therapy from the first months of life to ensure that their neurological development is on track.
When it comes to treating joint, muscle and nervous system problems that are causing weakness, physiotherapy may focus more on strengthening exercises to build up muscle strength. If your child needs help with balance, posture, coordination and gross motor skills then physiotherapy may include more stretching exercises to ensure flexibility and range of motion.
When speaking with your physiotherapist about a tailored plan for your child’s wellbeing make sure you discuss what could work best for them based on their age and functionality level in order for them to make progress when it comes to their physical health.
Spring Forward Family Centre Role in Supporting Positive Paediatric Physio Outcomes
At Spring Forward Family Centre, we are highly specialised in assessing and treating children with Down Syndrome. Our team of physiotherapists will assess your child’s problem areas, such as balance, posture coordination and gross motor skills, joint, muscle or nervous system problems that are causing weakness.
We use a range of techniques to help improve your child’s quality of life and ability to perform everyday activities. These include posture strengthening exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises, balance activities and games. As well as postural strengthening activities such as heavy work and swings.
Our team of experts is passionate about helping every child reach their full potential by providing the most appropriate interventions regarding what works best for them. We are dedicated to enabling children with Down Syndrome to achieve positive outcomes through paediatric physiotherapy.
Conclusion
So, if your child is struggling with balance, coordination, posture or any other issues that are impacting their wellbeing, it’s time to book in for a consultation with a paediatric physio. At our clinic, we have a team of experts who have years of experience in helping children with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.
