Physiotherapy for Children: What Parents Need to Know

Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.
Nelson Mendela

Physiotherapy isn’t just about rehabilitating adults; its magic unfolds profoundly in the world of children. From enhancing motor skills in children with autism to preemptively correcting posture defects, physiotherapy promises more than healing—it promises hope and a brighter future. Dive into this blog to discover the transformative power of physiotherapy for our young ones.

A therapist doing exercise on a child showing importance of physiotherapy for children

Understanding Physiotherapy for Children

What is Pediatric Physiotherapy?

Pediatric physiotherapy specializes in treating children. It uses developmental play, therapeutic exercises, and training activities, involving parents and families. Pediatric physiotherapists treat a variety of conditions and often provide support to families, designing therapy programs and exercises. Although there’s limited literature on the topic, evidence-based practice is gaining traction in the field.

Key Differences Between Adult and Pediatric Physiotherapy

Pediatric physiotherapy differs in ergonomic loads and educational content. A study by Wu et al. found that paediatric physiotherapists experience greater physical exhaustion and higher ergonomic risks compared to adult physiotherapists. Additionally, pediatric curriculum in physiotherapy programs can vary widely, with challenges like limited resources and lack of specialized staff affecting its implementation.

Reasons Why Children Might Need Physiotherapy

Developmental Delays

Children may need physiotherapy due to motor delays, skill acquisition delays, delayed growth in height and weight, or brain malformations causing issues like ataxia and hypotonia. Physiotherapy helps improve motor function and assists children in achieving motor milestones. For example, children with Joubert syndrome benefit from physiotherapy based on neurodevelopmental principles.

Sports Injuries

Physiotherapy for children with sports injuries focuses on tailored rehabilitation, load management, and strengthening exercises. Longer sessions can reduce pain and aid faster recovery. Techniques like electro gadgets and therapeutic baths help in treatment, while an interdisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care.

Post-operative Rehabilitation

Post-operative physiotherapy in children includes mobilisation, strength and proprioception training, and gait training. For instance, after cardiac surgery, physiotherapy focuses on aerobic training and post-surgical recovery. Techniques like Mulligan’s movement and ultrasound can improve range of motion and scar healing.

Neurological Disorders

Children with neuro-developmental disorders like constipation, CLN2 disease, and developmental disabilities benefit from physiotherapy. Treatments improve head and trunk control in those with developmental issues. Moreover, physiotherapy is cost-effective for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

Birth Defects and Congenital Conditions

Children with structural birth defects, developmental disabilities, or single gene disorders often require physiotherapy. Conditions like congenital heart defects, Down syndrome, and muscular dystrophy necessitate physical rehabilitation. Physiotherapy addresses issues like postural defects and supports children with congenital deformities in their physical and functional development.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Children

Improved Motor Skills and Coordination

Physiotherapy uses specific exercises to enhance motor skills in children. These exercises can boost running speed, balance, and leg strength. Special programs address conditions like the 16p11.2 microdeletion or Developmental Coordination Disorder, resulting in improved movement and coordination. There are even programs that help children with higher weight improve their driving skills and reduce weight.

Strengthened Muscles and Increased Flexibility

Physiotherapy offers exercises that build muscle strength and stretches that increase flexibility. For kids with spastic cerebral palsy, certain stretches can promote flexibility. In cases like Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, while it might not boost strength or flexibility, it reduces pain and enhances function. There are also tools like the finger flexibility trainer designed to improve flexibility in young patients.

Better Balance and Posture

Physiotherapy employs specific interventions to improve children’s balance and posture. This includes balance-training activities, methods like goniometry to analyze muscle and joint angles, and exercises to correct postural imbalances. For children with movement disorders, orthotic devices might be used to support correct posture.

Enhanced Independence and Confidence

Physiotherapy can maintain and enhance a child’s physical functioning, promoting autonomy and quality of life. For children with specific conditions, such as CLN2 disease, physiotherapy addresses muscle issues and improves sensorimotor skills. Activities like group dance sessions can engage children, promoting physical activity and boosting their confidence. Overall, physiotherapy can lead to greater physical independence and a rise in self-assuredness for children.

Common Physiotherapy Techniques for Children

Play and Movement Therapy

In paediatric physiotherapy, common therapies include:

Developmental play: Activities that help children reach their potential.
Therapeutic exercise: Helps with muscle strength, walking, and posture.
Functional training: Real-world activities for skill development.
Kinesio tape: Sometimes used to support posture and walking.

Parents and families often play a role in these therapies to support the child.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy benefits children by:

Improving muscle strength and flexibility.
Helping with balance and movement skills.
Reducing muscle tightness in conditions like cerebral palsy.
Assisting children with autism in social interactions.

However, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits, especially in children with cerebral palsy.

Manual Therapy

In paediatric physiotherapy, manual techniques include:

Positional Release (PR)
Strain-Counterstrain

These help treat soft tissue in children. But, more studies are needed to understand their full benefits and how they work. It’s important for therapists to focus on each child’s development and set achievable goals.

Orthotic and Assistive Device Training

Orthotic and assistive devices:

Support children with disabilities in activities, like horse riding or cycling.
Are made using 3D printing for a custom fit.
Offer more varied stimulation, helping brain development through movement.

Using these devices, therapists aim to make therapy more effective and improve children’s lives.

Physiotherapy for Children with Special Functional Needs

Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden.

Tailored Therapeutic Approaches

Therapeutic approaches for children with special functional needs focus on addressing challenges and promoting healthy mental and social growth. Some of these methods help with behavior problems or teach kids how to be socially competent. Others help kids who’ve experienced early trauma or attachment issues, especially if they’ve been in out-of-home care. There are also programs to guide parents on how to interact better with their children. In the tech world, special games and toys have been designed to boost skills like memory, teamwork, and interaction with surroundings. These tools can also help therapists understand and analyze a child’s progress.

Benefits for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, etc.

Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits to children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) or Down Syndrome (DS). For kids with CP, even though we can’t reverse the brain damage causing their condition, physiotherapy can enhance movement using techniques like myofascial release and exercise. Starting physiotherapy early can boost their physical development and life quality. For children with DS, physiotherapy can uplift their overall life quality and expectancy. With specific exercises and activities, it can boost their physical, emotional, and psychological health.

How to Choose a Pediatric Physiotherapist

The groundwork of all happiness is health.
Leigh Hunt

Qualifications to Look For

When searching for a paediatric physiotherapist, it’s vital to find someone with a deep understanding of child development, including genetics and embryology. The therapist should have experience in handling childhood issues like respiratory problems, developmental delays, and sensory disorders. They need to be familiar with assessment methods and treatment techniques specific to children. Additionally, it’s essential for the physiotherapist to work well with both children and their parents. If you’re uncertain about where to begin your search, this guide to finding the best physiotherapist might help.

Creating a Comfortable Environment for the Child

Creating a comfortable environment for a child involves using multisensory environments (MSEs). These settings can benefit children, especially those with learning disabilities, by offering physical, social, and psychological support. MSEs can make physiotherapy sessions more relaxing and fun. Incorporating such an environment ensures the child feels engaged and comfortable during their treatments.

Working in Collaboration with Parents and Caregivers

Collaboration with parents and caregivers is crucial in physiotherapy. They can offer insights into a child’s daily routines and activities, which can be helpful for treatment planning. Engaging parents in the therapeutic process ensures that the child’s treatment is consistent, even outside therapy sessions. Recognizing the role of caregivers and communicating effectively with them is essential, especially for children with specific needs. Parents and caregivers bring their expertise about the child, which can be invaluable in crafting the right therapy plan.

Parent’s Role in Children’s Physiotherapy

Being a Supportive Advocate

Parents can best support their children in physiotherapy by actively participating. They should discuss and understand the therapy plan with the therapist. They can ask questions and share their child’s likes and dislikes to make the sessions more effective. At home, they can help by doing recommended exercises with their child. Being involved and collaborating with the therapist ensures the child gets the best possible care.

Ensuring Consistency in Therapy Sessions

Consistency in therapy is important because it helps track the child’s development clearly. When sessions are consistent, therapists can see what’s working and what’s not, and then adjust the treatment accordingly. It also helps children to know what to expect, making them more comfortable and confident in the process. Overall, regular and consistent sessions lead to better progress and outcomes.

Celebrating Milestones and Progress

Parents can track their child’s development by regularly talking with the therapist and understanding the set goals. Using tools or tests recommended by the therapist can help see how the child is doing. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, can motivate the child and show them their progress. Active involvement and regular check-ins with the therapy team will ensure the child is on the right track.

Conclusions

Physiotherapy for children is more than just a treatment—it’s a beacon of hope, progress, and empowerment. As we’ve explored, its applications range from developmental delays to post-operative rehabilitation, with countless benefits both physically and emotionally. For parents and caregivers, understanding this field and collaborating with professionals can significantly enhance a child’s quality of life. As the world of pediatric physiotherapy continues to evolve, its promise remains unwavering: to offer children a brighter, healthier future.

EMPOWER YOUR CHILD!