By Unbreakable Physiotherapy
Uncategorized
What does a Paediatric Physiotherapist do?
What does a paediatric physiotherapist do?
So, your general practitioner has referred you to a paediatric physiotherapist, but why?
Paediatric Physiotherapists are extensively trained to work with children of all ages from
newborns through to adolescents. There can be many reasons that your child has been
referred to a paediatric physiotherapist. They may have some difficulties with their
movement, they may be delayed in their gross motor milestones or they may have had an
injury. Paediatric Physiotherapists are experts in child development, particularly
understanding typical and atypical development and attainment of milestones.
Paediatric Physiotherapists are able to make an assessment and treatment program fun and
effective. A paediatric physiotherapist will gain a detailed background information of your
child and your concerns. From there, they will complete an assessment which can consist of
observation, assessing muscle range and strength and completing functional tasks that may
be difficult for your child. This will assist the paediatric physiotherapist in determining the
best treatment plan for your child that is centred around you and your child’s goals and
concerns. They may also use standardised assessments which can include use of the Alberta
Infant Motor Assessment (AIMS) or the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Assessment
(HINE) to name a few.
Here at Unbreakable Physiotherapy we have a separate Paediatric gym space which has
which has therapy resources to assist in completing an assessment. Your child may be asked
to show how they throw or catch a ball, go up and down stairs or your baby may be
encouraged to do different movements using toys as motivation. For the older adolescent
they have the opportunity to utilise the gym space in the adult gym and as a part of their
rehabilitation program may be asked to use the squat racks or Pilates reformer. A home
exercise program will be devised for your child to complete at home and your
physiotherapist will determine the ongoing therapy requirements dependent on your child’s
goals.
If your child requires further specialised assessment and management your physiotherapist
will be able to refer you to the appropriate service. This may include referral to Monash
Children’s Hospital or the Royal Children’s Hospital.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s development or you just think something is
not right, it is always worth getting an assessment from your local paediatric
physiotherapist.