What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?

Child physiotherapy is a narrower branch of physiotherapy aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating children from infancy to adolescence with disabilities, developmental or motor-physical disabilities and other chronic health conditions.

Through careful evaluation of each child, a physiotherapist designs and implements an exercise program to correct problems such as developmental delay, disability, injury or neurological disorder to correct improper movement, muscle tone or power and improve a child's mobility, function and quality of life.

This often includes paediatric physiotherapy assessment to determine specific needs and the most effective intervention strategies.

Signs Your Child Might Need Paediatric Physiotherapy

As your child develops, it is important to pay attention to whether a child fulfils the developmental milestones. In case there is a problem with movement or posture, the paediatric physiotherapist can be of great help. Here are some signs which can potentially point to the need for paediatric physiotherapy.

Delayed Milestones

If your child is behind the usual age for reaching, rolling or walking compared to other children, a physiotherapist can help.

Unusual Walking Patterns

If the child is showing signs like toe walking, in-toeing, or tripping over often, then these could be signs that the child will need paediatric physiotherapy near me.

Poor Balance and Coordination

If a child is having problems in balancing and coordinating activities as compared to other children, then a paediatric physiotherapy assessment can help identify movement deficiencies.

Limited Movement

If parents monitor that there is a constraint when their child is reaching, bending, twisting or avoiding these positions due to immobility, this may require the service of paediatric physiotherapy near me.

Pain

A physiotherapist should be consulted if your child claims to be having joint or muscular pains so that an evaluation for a suitable exercise regime can be given.

Frequent Falls

If your child frequently trips or stumbles, then this could be an indication of a balance or coordination issue.

Postural Issues

If your kid has developed slouching or uneven shoulders, then consult a paediatric physiotherapist.

Sports Injuries

Injuries from sports or physical activities that have not resolved as expected may need help from a paediatric physiotherapist.

Neurological Disorders

Children with neurological conditions such as muscle weakness, spasticity, or movement disorders can benefit from paediatric physiotherapy near me to improve muscle control and function.

Recovery from Surgery

Post-surgical conditions where physiotherapy might be recommended to aid in recovery.

When to Seek a Professional Paediatric Physiotherapist

Consider a paediatric physiotherapist if your child has delays in reaching milestones, struggles with balance or coordination, experiences persistent pain, or walks with unusual swiftness. Early intervention can greatly benefit a child's development and future mobility.

Selecting the Right Paediatric Physiotherapist for Your Child

Choosing the appropriate physiotherapist for your child can positively influence growth. Review important aspects that you ought to consider for the selection of the perfect fit to guide your child's journey. Here are a few key points: -

Professional Qualifications

First and foremost, ensure the therapist is a licensed physical therapist with a focus on paediatrics and holds credentials which guarantee their expertise in child development and ensure they can provide the most up-to-date treatment approaches for your child.

Specialisation in Paediatric Care

While it is always effective to work with general physiotherapists, a specialist who studies some of the conditions children struggle with will be able to attend to your child's needs more comprehensively.

Experience with Specific Conditions

If your child has a particular diagnosis, it would be wise to find a specialist who has experience treating similar cases. This will eventually result in better results and quicker progress.

Recommendations and Reviews

Consult your paediatrician, or other parents or browse the online reviews of various facilities to get some background on it. Positive feedback or reviews are a testament to their skills and approach.

Therapeutic Approach and Techniques

Ask about the therapist's treatment approach and whether they use playful activities for children or more traditional tasks. Similarly, it is good to ensure that the specific treatment meets the needs and inclinations of your child.

Location and Accessibility

Consider how long it will take to reach the facility and what their hours of operation are. When scheduling an appointment, check if they offer early morning or weekend availability. Easy access to the facility makes it more likely for your child to attend ongoing therapy, which supports their development.

Facility Environment

Always make sure that the facility is child-friendly with age-suitable toys and soothing surroundings. A cosy environment may assist your child in feeling less apprehensive throughout sessions.

Interpersonal Skills

The therapist must be proficient in communication so they can relate well with your child and explain things in simple and clear language to make them feel understood and comfortable.

Insurance and Cost

Ensure that the facility accepts insurance plans and that there are no extra charges for the enrolled plans. Understand the payment methods and procedures before the process begins.

Treatment Plan and Goals

Understand the therapist's recommendations and plans of the treatment and what the therapist aims to achieve with these. As with most therapeutic processes, it is the responsibility of both the therapist and the individual to understand each other.

Meet Our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist for Your Child

Paediatric Physiotherapy Techniques and Activities for Kids

Physiotherapy for children is not just about doing certain exercises and stretches for your child; it is about transforming movement into a fun and meaningful experience for the child and developing functional activities which can help your child progress toward their developmental milestones promoting healthy physical activity. Here are some common and effective techniques of paediatric physiotherapy and their activities.

Therapeutic Exercises

Techniques: Structured physical activities designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Activities: Setting up an obstacle course that involves crawling under ropes, hopping on one foot, and balancing on beams. This promotes a range of motor skills while keeping the activity fun and engaging.

Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)

Techniques: Focuses on improving postural control and movement in children with neurological issues. NDT therapists are trained to assess a child's movement potential and create an individualised treatment plan.

Activities: Guiding the child through specific movement patterns, such as reaching for and manipulating toys, which enhances fine motor control and coordination.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Techniques: Helps children with sensory processing disorders by providing activities that help organise sensory input.

Activities: Using a swing to provide vestibular stimulation or sand and water play to enhance tactile perception

Aquatic Therapy

Techniques: Uses the buoyancy and resistance of water to facilitate muscle function and movement in a supportive environment.

Activities: Encouraging activities like walking through water or using floating toys to promote movement skills and reduce fear of movement.

Play Therapy

Techniques: Use play as the medium for therapy to motivate and engage children while targeting specific therapeutic goals.

Activities: Structured games that involve throwing and catching balls to improve hand-eye coordination or interactive games that require turn-taking and movement.

Manual Therapy

Techniques: Involves hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and muscle function, decrease pain, and facilitate movement.

Activities: Gentle joint manipulations and soft tissue massage focused on areas of tightness or discomfort.

Use of Assistive Devices

Techniques: Involves training with devices that aid mobility, such as walkers or orthotics, to enhance independence.

Activities: Teach the child to use a walker or stand in orthotics while playing a game or participating in a group activity to integrate the device into daily life.

Gait Training and Mobility

Techniques: Focuses on enhancing the efficiency of walking and overall mobility.

Activities: Using a treadmill or walking along a marked path with visual cues to improve walking patterns and speed.

How Does Paediatric Physiotherapy Benefit Children?

Paediatric physiotherapy is instrumental in assisting young individuals with diverse conditions that hamper their ability to move properly and enjoy good health. With the ingenious use of play and exercise, paediatric physiotherapists can promote muscle strength and improve balance and coordination as well as flexibility— all integral components to a child's movement development.

Managing pain through these sessions helps individuals achieve their developmental milestones while also attaining independence in daily activities. Through such care measures, children can find confidence which further contributes towards their participation levels in different spheres of life.

Success Stories: Real-Life Improvements After Paediatric Physiotherapy

Online vs. In-Person Therapy for Paediatric Physiotherapy

The decision of whether to opt for your child's physiotherapy program online or in person is contingent upon what it is that they require. While the former is convenient and does not require one to be well-versed in any technological aspect, it might not accommodate complicated physical exercises.

On the other hand, going for a physical session would expose you to hands-on demonstrations as well as a wide variety of physiotherapy equipment, although this could turn out uncomfortable for some kids. It would hence be highly advisable for you to have a sit-down with a therapist who can give you more insights on the best way forward after a proper paediatric physiotherapy assessment and reviewing your child's case.

Why Cadabam's CDC?

Seeing your child face physical challenges can be difficult, and we understand your concerns. Cadabam's Child Development Center offers specialised Paediatric Physiotherapy services to help children overcome physical obstacles and reach their full potential.

The Child Development Centre at Cadabam's provides professional help for addressing both mental health and developmental issues in children. At our facility we help children reach their individual potential through our team of specialists who operate from a space that is safe and stimulating and inclusive to all children.

Our organisation provides a complete spectrum of services which includes evaluation tasks and medical tests along with therapeutic activities and intervention activities to treat different developmental and behavioral issues.

You can contact us at +91 95355 85588 through our website to help your child reach a better healthier life state.