What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?

Children are not simply little adults.  Some conditions that are unique to babies and children may result in them taking longer to develop skills like rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, climbing stairs, and jumping.  A Paediatric Physiotherapist is a licensed practitioner under the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and has unique knowledge of child development.  Specialized treatment is focused on the babies and children to ensure their optimal physical function and development.

The Physiotherapist assess your child to see if he/she is on track with skills such as rolling, crawling and walking. Every child is different, even with the same condition.  If your child needs a little extra help we make it motivating for them to learn these skills and give you ideas on how to continue them at home and incorporate them into play time. The family and caregivers are an important and integral part of the assessment and treatment.

 


What are some conditions that can affect a child’s sitting, rolling, crawling or walking skills?

  • Insufficient floor and exploration time.
  • Gross motor delay.
  • Developmental delay.
  • Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions.
  • Acquired brain injury.
  • Genetic disorders.
  • General orthopaedic conditions.

What to expect at the first appointment?

The Paediatric Physiotherapist will:

  • Complete a detailed assessment which can include: obtaining the child’s birth/health history, discussing your concerns related to your child, assessing the range of movement and strength, and observing the child’s postural alignment and movement skills.
  • Discuss the assessment results and develop a treatment plan best suited for your child and family.

If you are unsure if Paediatric Physiotherapy is what you need, please Contact us.

Learn more about the Paediatric Physiotherapist at JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre.