What Is Paediatric Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps kids recover from injuries and illnesses and also teaches them how to prevent injuries in the future.
It involves a range of treatments that help improve movement, reduce pain and improve function. Physiotherapy can be used to treat conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and many more.
Your child will likely need to attend regular physiotherapy sessions to make the most impact.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Kids
Physiotherapy is not just for adults. In fact, it can be especially beneficial for kids, who often suffer from pain and movement restrictions. A physiotherapist can help reduce pain and improve movement and strength. They can also help with motor skill development and common childhood injuries.
Most importantly, physiotherapy can have a positive impact on a child’s overall fitness and movement ability. This will help them stay healthy as they grow and maintain age-appropriate skills.
When to Seek a Paediatric Physiotherapist
If your baby doesn’t tolerate tummy time by 3 months old, or isn’t standing by 12 months old, it’s time to seek help from a paediatric physiotherapist. They can help reduce your child’s pain, swelling, and regain strength and flexibility.
Physiotherapy is also beneficial for kids with spinal cord injuries. They can use physiotherapy to strengthen their muscles and increase their balance and mobility.
Tips for Finding a Reputable Paediatric Physiotherapist in Australia
If you’re looking for a reputable paediatric physiotherapist in Australia, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure the physiotherapist has completed a specialised paediatric curriculum. This ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to treat children.
- Check that the physiotherapist is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). This means they are bound by the APA’s code of ethics and are required to maintain their professional development.
- Ask about the physiotherapist’s experience in treating children. A good physiotherapist will have plenty of experience in treating kids of all ages, from newborns to teenagers.
Finding a good paediatric physiotherapist is important, as they can help your child master gross motor and functional mobility skills. They will also understand that children have unique needs, and will tailor their treatments accordingly.
Physiotherapy Exercises for Kids and How to Perform Them Correctly
Now that you know some of the benefits of physiotherapy for kids, you might be wondering what types of exercises they should be doing.
Generally speaking, the exercises will be focused on improving core strength, gross motor skills, and increasing balance and coordination.
And while every child is different, there are some general tips you can follow when it comes to performing the exercises:
- Make sure they warm up before starting the exercises by doing some light stretching or walking in place.
- The actual exercises can be done either sitting or standing.
- Make sure they maintain good form throughout the exercises and avoid any type of cheating.
- When they’re finished with the exercises, make sure they cool down properly by doing some light stretching or walking in place.
It’s also important to keep in mind that physio exercises for kids should be fun and engaging, otherwise they’re not going to want to do them. So try to come up with creative ways to make the exercises more enjoyable for them.
FAQs About Paediatric Physiotherapy
You might be wondering about a few things before you get started with paediatric physiotherapy. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions:
Q: How long will my child need to see a physiotherapist?
A: This really depends on your child’s individual case. Some children only need to see a physiotherapist for a few sessions, while others may need to continue seeing one on a regular basis. It really varies depending on the child’s needs.
Q: What can I expect from my child’s physiotherapy sessions?
A: Your child can expect to improve their strength, flexibility, movement and range of motion through different exercises and stretches. They will also learn more typical patterns of movements and improve their gross motor skills.
Q: How often should my child see a physiotherapist?
A: Again, this depends on your child’s individual case. Some children may only need to see a physiotherapist once a week, while others may need to see one multiple times per week. It all just depends on what is best for your child.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep kids healthy and on track with their physiotherapy sessions. If they miss sessions, it can set their progress back and make it harder for them to reach their goals. Make sure your kids keep up their regular physiotherapy appointments to ensure they stay healthy and on track.
