Childrens Physiotherapy Brisbane | Physiotherapy For Kids

Children’s Physiotherapy

So what is children’s physiotherapy and why is it so important?

Children physiotherapy is the treatment of musculoskeletal issues, developmental issues and other injuries in children. Children’s physiotherapy focuses on problems that may inhibit the motor function and movement of children as they grow. It also strives to provide other physio services in a child-friendly manner.

This branch of physiotherapy is crucial for two reasons. First, it ensures that children with injuries and disabilities receive the same standard of care as an adult. Secondly, the sooner we work to correct developmental issues, the easier they can be resolved.

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Why might your child need physiotherapy for kids?

Our children don’t always develop at the same rate, or in a way that we would consider normal. Developmental issues in babies and toddlers could actually be the result of physical issues and musculoskeletal problems.

Therefore, a child that is slow to learn to walk, or that walks with an odd movement, may benefit from some corrective physiotherapy.

Children may also live with congenital illnesses and other disorders that impair their movements or coordination. Conditions include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Ehler’s Donlos Syndrome, Down Syndrome, and more.

Then there are those that experience some form of injury or trauma that will require rehabilitation. Brisbane children may experience injuries while playing sports such as football or netball, or get into accidents. They are at as much risk of developing mobility issues from these events as adults. Therefore, they require the same level of care and treatment.

Assessing a child’s mobility and development problems through child physiotherapy.

Assessments in paediatric care can be more thorough than with adult practices. With adults, there is a clear idea of a problem due to the injury or a referral from a doctor. With babies and toddlers, the problem isn’t always so obvious. That is why our expert physiotherapists will perform a more extensive assessment.

They will look at motor skills more generally, not just in an area causing the most concern. That means that there is a better chance of spotting additional issues, making a diagnosis and creating a treatment plan. These sessions can take a while.

But, we see no need in rushing a child and making them perform certain tasks if they aren’t comfortable.

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Assessing a child’s mobility and development problems through child physiotherapy.

Assessments can be more thorough than with adult practices. With adults, there is a clear idea of a problem due to the injury or a referral from a doctor. With babies and toddlers, the problem isn’t always so obvious. That is why our expert physiotherapists will perform a more extensive assessment.

They will look at motor skills more generally, not just in an area causing the most concern. That means that there is a better chance of spotting additional issues, making a diagnosis, and creating a treatment plan. These sessions can take a while.

But, we see no need in rushing a child and making them perform certain tasks if they aren’t comfortable.

Providing a child’s physiotherapy treatment plan.

A treatment plan can take many different forms, with a range of possible solutions in place. Many children will benefit from a clear action plan of exercises that can improve and correct the problem.

Some children will do this in the practice, but there may also be exercises that they can do at home or at school. This ensures that they can keep up with their program in a more convenient, comfortable environment.

There will also be children who have been supplied with supports such as splints or orthotics to help them correct the alignment of their muscles or their posture. We will work to ensure that they are fitted correctly and can offer additional support where needed.

Where possible, we want to communicate the problems and solutions with the child to offer the best service. This is their body, their health, their time, and their effort.

Those that are old enough to understand the situation will be consulted on the situation and the plan moving forward. We want to make sure that they are comfortable with the arrangement and aren’t left in the dark.

We have physiotherapists who have a special interest in the area of children’s physiotherapy and can treat children with mild developmental and musculoskeletal conditions. Contact us to learn more about physiotherapy for children.

What’s the difference between children’s physiotherapy and paediatric physiotherapy?

There are a number of key differences between children’s physiotherapy and paediatric physiotherapy. The most notable is that paediatric physiotherapy must only be performed by a qualified specialist. This takes additional training after you have already become a qualified physiotherapist.

Additionally, a children’s physiotherapist places a larger focus on treating issues that arise from children’s sport as well as any issues that may impact their development.

Contact Graceville Physiotherapy today to book childrens physiotherapy in Brisbane.

If you live in the Brisbane area and need support with your child’s physiotherapy and development, contact us today. At Graceville Physio, we promise to provide a friendly, professional service that will help your child. If we feel that your child requires a Paediatric Specialist, we’re also able to refer to and liaise with this specialist so that your child is able to get the best care possible.

Children’s Physiotherapy FAQ’s

What is children’s physiotherapy?

Children’s physiotherapy treats babies and young people to promote health and wellbeing. Expert children’s physiotherapists have the knowledge to work with still-developing bodies and even childhood disabilities.

What is the age range for children’s physiotherapy?

Children’s physiotherapy covers children from birth, all the way up to teenagers of nineteen, as during these years the body is still growing and needing special care.