At one point or another, all parents worry about their child’s development. Are they meeting milestones? Are they on track? Or are they lagging behind?
If you’re at all concerned about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. In some cases, paediatric physiotherapy may be the answer. Physiotherapists use touch as a tool to help children reach early milestones and improve their overall development.
Below we’ll discuss the significance of touch in paediatric physiotherapy, and we’ll also provide a few tips for getting the most out of your baby’s physiotherapy sessions.
Introduction to Baby Physiotherapy
If your baby has been diagnosed with a physical impairment or disability or you are concerned about their development, then he or she may be eligible for paediatric physiotherapy. This is a type of physical therapy that is specifically designed for babies and young children.
The goal of paediatric physiotherapy is to help your child reach his or her earliest developmental milestones, as well as to promote independence in later life. Physical therapists will work with your child to plan short exercises that improve reflexes, posture, and range of motion.
Touch is an important part of paediatric physiotherapy, and therapists will often use gentle massage techniques to help relax and soothe your baby.
The Role of Touch in Paediatric Physiotherapy
The importance of touch in paediatric physiotherapy can’t be overstated. From the moment they’re born, babies are constantly interacting with the world around them through touch. It’s how they learn about their environment and how to interact with the people around them.
That’s why baby physio is so important. It gives children the opportunity to interact with a therapist in a safe and comfortable environment. The therapist can then use touch to help the child reach early milestones.
Touch is so important for babies because it helps them develop not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. It helps them form relationships and communicate their needs. It’s a crucial part of early development, and it’s something that paediatric physiotherapy can help facilitate.
Developmental Benefits of Baby Physio
When you think of baby physio, you might imagine a lot of stretching and strengthening exercises. And while those are important, they’re not the only thing that paediatric physiotherapists focus on. In fact, one of the most important aspects of baby physio is touch.
Touch is essential for infant development, as it promotes sensorimotor, emotional, and cognitive growth. It helps the baby to learn about their environment and how to interact with others. Plus, it just feels nice—which is why we often comfort a crying baby with a hug.
The good news is that paediatric physiotherapists understand the importance of touch, and they use it as a tool to help children reach their early milestones. They’ll work with your child in a way that’s tailored to their interests and abilities, making sure that they’re actively participating in their own routine. This not only helps them to improve their sensory-motor skills, but it also builds confidence and encourages a love of learning.
When to Seek Help With Baby Physiotherapy
If you’re ever worried about your baby’s development, it’s always best to seek professional help. A paediatric physiotherapist will be able to assess your baby and provide guidance on exercises and activities that can help with their development.
There are certain milestones that babies should reach by a certain age, and if you feel like your baby is not reaching them, physiotherapy can help. For example, by four months old, most babies can hold their head up for short periods of time and turn their head from side to side. If your baby isn’t able to do this, physio can help.
Other signs that your baby might benefit from physiotherapy include not being able to track objects with their eyes or not being able to reach for and grasp objects. If you’re ever worried about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Best Practises for Paediatric Physiotherapy at Home
If you’re interested in doing some paediatric physio at home with your little one, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always make sure you’ve been cleared by a doctor or physiotherapist—you don’t want to overdo it and hurt your child.
Second, when you are performing the exercises, make sure to go slowly and be gentle—again, you don’t want to hurt your child. Third, praise your child often during and after the exercises; this will help them stay motivated.
And lastly, have fun! Paediatric physio doesn’t have to be all serious business—if you can make it fun for your child, they’ll be more likely to engage and enjoy it. So get silly, use props, and make it a game. Your child will thank you for it!
Looking for a Baby Physio Therapist Near You?
If you’re interested in finding a baby physio therapist near you, there are a few things you can do. You can start by asking your child’s paediatrician for a referral. You can also search online for “paediatric physiotherapy” or “baby physiotherapy” and your city or town to find therapists in your area.
Once you have a few names, you can call around and ask about the therapist’s experience working with babies, their availability, and their rates. Some therapists may offer free initial consultations, so it’s worth asking about that as well.
And finally, once you’ve found a few therapists you’re interested in, it’s important to trust your gut. If you feel like a therapist is a good fit for your family, then they probably are. Trust your instincts and go with the person you feel most comfortable with.
Conclusion
Paediatric physiotherapy is vital for a child’s overall development. Through touch, therapists can help premature babies gain weight and develop motor skills, as well as aiding in the rehabilitation of children who have suffered from injuries or illnesses. If you’re looking for a paediatric physio therapist near you, make sure to get in touch with a reputable clinic today.
