Physical Therapy for Children
Physical therapy is not a treatment that only adults can avail. Paediatric physical therapy intends to help children marred by disabilities and different illnesses. This kind of therapy relieves pain, encourage speedy recovery, restore functionality and mobility and adapting to injuries.
Paediatric physical therapy aims to help children improve their motor skills and other physical body functions like running, walking and jumping. Most of the times, they perform exercises and treatments in terms of play and activities. These activities are for improving the movement, balance, coordination and for the overall health of the child.
Common problems among children which is referred to a paediatric therapist would be delayed motor skills, low muscle strength, low muscle tone, and any health impairment. Here are some conditions wherein in your child may need physical therapy:
Children are not meeting the expected body development or milestone corresponding to their age.
Children who would often time turn their head in one side or consistently use just one side of the body.
Children who have difficulty walking.
Children who could not keep up physically with other kids especially while playing and complain about experiencing pains when performing any kinds of movement.
Children who cannot perform the same physical tasks that their peers can do.
Children who have difficulty balancing.
Children with cerebral palsy, Spina Bifinda, birth brachial plexus palsy, Torticollis, scoliosis, traumatic brain injury, long term spinal injury, fractures, and with muscular dystrophy are good candidates to have attention from a paediatric physical therapist.
A common problem treated by a physical therapist among children is whats called as the jumpers knee. Jumpers knee was pain and tenderness that can be felt at the bottom of the knee cap. Active and athletic kids would experience this most of the time. A physical therapist not only treats the pain of a jumpers knee, he also perform exercises that would strengthen the muscles in your knees.
Sprains, fractures and broken bones in arms, legs and feet are common among children. Since children are so active, they tend to injure themselves a lot. All kinds of injuries and fractures can also be rehabilitated with physical therapist, rehabilitation could be long term or short term. A physical therapist could help in relieving pain and discomfort while healing the injury. After the injury heals, a physical therapist would perform exercises to rehabilitate and regain the strength and motion of the newly-healed bones.
Paediatric physical therapists are required to have the same educational proficiency as a regular physical therapist. They are also required to pass licensure exams which are different on each state. Paediatric therapists are also encouraged to continue their education while practicing the profession. This is to make sure that they are producing the best treatment possible.
But a physical therapist cannot do everything by himself. The childs family plays a significant role in assisting the child to recover.
How can the family help:
Using toys to expand the mobility
Using equipment for exercises
Providing the necessary physical and health care needs
Involving the child in daily routines and activities
Paediatric physical therapy is not only concerned with developing the motors skills of kids. It is a dynamic process which includes collaboration and coaching among therapists, the childs doctor, family and also with the school community. This would make sure that the progress brought by physical therapy would not be negated.