Kids' Health

What is paediatric physiotherapy?

Paediatric physiotherapy is a type of physiotherapy that focuses on the treatment of children. A physiotherapist who treats children is passionate and knowledgeable about the child, children’s growth and development, and the assessment and treatment of common childhood conditions. They also tries to treat the child in an environment that is child-friendly, with an approach that is fun, and best motivates the child.

WHO IS CONSIDERED TO BE A “CHILD”?

Paediatric physiotherapists treat all persons under the age of 18, from premature infants to high level adolescent athletes… the common thread? GROWTH!

WHEN CAN A PHYSIOTHERAPIST HELP YOUR CHILD?

A paediatric physiotherapist can help your child when they have:

motor impairment
delayed development or a disability
neurological condition
various types of arthritis
amputation
respiratory illness
recovery from recreational or sports injury
muscle or joint pain

WHY DO CHILDREN NEED PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Parents seek out physiotherapy services for their children for a variety of reasons, including to:

assist in gross motor development
treat injury or conditions

WHERE DOES A PAEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST WORK?

A paediatric physiotherapist works in:

Acute care hospitals
Rehabilitation hospitals
Schools and child care centres
Child development centres
Community physiotherapy clinics
Home care

HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP YOUR CHILD?

Assessment of a problem
Identification of parent and child goals
Treatment including motivating the child, stretching, strengthening, and teaching motor skills
Education of child’s family and team

Remember: children are not small adults. The best physiotherapists to treat children are those knowledgeable about paediatric conditions, and who are passionate about kids!