What is pediatric physiotherapy?

Pediatric physiotherapy is for infants and children who show late development, congenital disorders, postural problems (torticollis, scoliosis, etc.), or any other neuromuscular or skeletal problem. The treatment aims to improve gross and / or fine motor skills, posture, tone, flexibility, coordination, balance, etc, to encourage the best possible development in children or to promote healing.

The assessment in pediatric physiotherapy consists of a subjective segment (questions, discussions) meant to learn more about the child (his birth, his development) and the expectations and needs of the parents. Subsequently, an objective assessment is made where the child is observed. Posture, tone, strength, balance, ability to perform various activities or maintain certain postures are then evaluated. This will allow the physiotherapist to identify a list of problems to be worked on, to present a treatment plan that will meet the parents’ expectations, to propose exercises and stimulation activities to be done at home with the child and to give advice to the parents.

Depending on the nature of the child’s problem, clinical follow-ups may be proposed where games will be used primarily to achieve the goals set. The child’s progress will be re-evaluated through activities with the physiotherapist to modify home exercises and provide the best advice to parents, depending on the child’s progress.

The pediatric physiotherapy service can help children with the following issues:

• congenital / positional torticollis (the infant always has the head on the same side);
• plagiocephaly (baby’s head is flat or deformed)
• late motor development;
• cerebral palsy;
• particular walking patterns;
• brachial plexus problems;
• orthopedic disorders (club feet, congenital hip dislocation);
• various neuro-musculoskeletal conditions;
• coordination disorder;
• Etc.

It is not necessary to be referred by a doctor to consult in pediatric physiotherapy. If you have concerns about your child, about his development, particularities in his posture or about the way he walks , do not hesitate to consult. The physiotherapist can determine the cause of the problem or refer you to other specialists if necessary.