Do you have a child with special needs? Has your active little one recently sustained a sports injury? If so, then your healthcare professional may have referred you to a paediatric physiotherapist.
It’s not uncommon for people to visit the physio Noosa locals turn to as part of their physical rehabilitation program. One of the more common areas of physio involves children who may need specialised care to treat birth defects or injuries.
Understanding Paediatric Physiotherapy
As the name implies, paediatric physiotherapy refers to a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on the care and treatment of babies, infants, toddlers, children, and young adults under the age of 19 years.
Generally, the goal with this type of treatment is to improve physical abilities, create and promote existing independence and develop improved quality of life. The most common conditions that are usually treated by paediatric physiotherapy include the following:
- Pre— and post op (orthopaedic) rehab
- Musculoskeletal & sporting injuries
- Mild developmental delays
- Respiratory physiotherapy
- Brachial plexus palsy and rheumatology & oncology physiotherapy
Treatment for a Wide Range of Ailments
Since paediatric physiotherapy can treat a wide range of ailments in children, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular recommendation for younger patients. Our experts have compiled a more in-depth look at the ways paediatric physiotherapy can aid your little one.
Pre-and Post Op (Orthopaedic) Rehab
Typically, orthopaedic rehabilitation for younger patients focuses on restoring or creating movement and function after surgeries related to bone, muscle, and joint conditions. The most common surgeries in this aspect include the following:
- MPFL reconstruction
- ACL reconstruction
- Ankle & shoulder stabilisation surgery
- Spinal surgery – scoliosis correction
- Joint replacements – knees and hips
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Since children are very active and highly accident-prone, it’s very easy for a simple fall to result in a serious injury. If these injuries affect bones, muscles, or joint movement, they may need a physiotherapist’s assistance.
The right care and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of long-term damage to the affected muscles. The usual injuries that are addressed in this category include the following:
- Neck pain and headaches
- Back pain
- Ankle injuries
- Knee pain and injuries
- Shoulder injuries
Sporting Injuries
Children who actively take part in sporting activities are just as susceptible to injuries as adults. In addition to treating these injuries, paediatric physios can also offer screening services that highlight risk factors which can lead to injuries. These usually include:
- Patella dislocations
- Ankle sprains
- Heel pain or Sever’s disease
- Post-medical management of fractures
Your physio will also assist your child with the simplest methods and exercises needed to return to their specific sport. Rehab may go on even after your child has returned to the sport to ensure there has been no long-term damage.
Developmental Delay
Dealing with a child who has developmental delays can be very challenging. This is usually because a lay person may not have the skill and experience to treat these conditions effectively and safely.
A paediatric physio will be able to assess the exact nature of your child’s developmental delay. They will then formulate a treatment plan that involves realistic and easy-to-implement treatment strategies to overcome each aspect of the delay.
Other than normal developmental delays, paediatric physios can also treat the following conditions:
- Torticollis
- Plagiocephaly
- Brachial Plexus Palsy
Assistance with even minor developmental delays can see a huge improvement in gross motor skills and may even help your little one develop functional mobility. In instances where your child may have permanent developmental issues, the physiotherapist will help you and your child learn to understand limitations and work around them. This will ensure that your child can live their best life, despite their physical challenges.
Respiratory Physiotherapy
Also sometimes called chest physiotherapy, the goal of this treatment is to clear the lungs’ secretions that not only optimise lung function but also improve breathing. These types of treatments usually involve techniques such as postural drainage and therapeutic breathing exercises.
Respiratory physiotherapy is most useful for children who suffer from the following:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Cerebral Palsy
Rheumatology and Oncology
No parent ever wants to associate their children with any aspect of childhood cancer. The reality, however, is that oncology treatments are a very real part of many children’s lives. In these cases, they may need specialised treatments to help them cope or relearn certain daily functions.
Children who are at the end of treatment may also need assistance with achieving physical goals required to help them return to sport. A physio, together with their oncologist, will assess and develop a treatment plan that will help them build strength and regain mobility where necessary.
Final Thought
There are many benefits of paediatric physiotherapy, such as improved balance and coordination, as well as an increase in functional mobility. It’s always a good idea to speak to your healthcare professional about a potential assessment if your child is suffering from any of the conditions mentioned. You’ll be glad you did!