What is paediatric physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the treatment of body using the body’s self healing abilities. The healing is enhanced through specific treatment after detailed assessment by the physiotherapist to diagnose the root of problem.

Physiotherapy, like medicine, have different areas of sub-specialization. The commonly known ones are:

• musculoskeletal
• cardiopulmonary
• neurology

Other areas of specialization are:

• paediatric
• women’s health
• geriatric
• research

In the field of paediatric physiotherapy, physiotherapists are trained to understand in-depth and treat a wide range of childhood conditions ranging from musculoskeletal to neurological problems. Paediatric Physiotherapist understands that children learn through play, thus, will design activities to make therapy fun. Not everyone can work with kids hence paediatric physiotherapist have that ‘special touch’ on children!

What are the conditions seen by paediatric physiotherapist?

These are the common conditions seen by paediatric physiotherapist:

Musculoskeletal:

• Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV)
• Congenital talipes calcaneovalgus (CTCV)
• Torticollis
• Plagiocephaly
• Arthrogryposis
• Post fracture rehabilitation
• Hip dysplasia
• Poor posture
• Sports injury
• Pes planus (flat foot)
• Abnormal gait
  • Intoeing/pigeon toe
  • Tip toeing

Neurological:

• Cerebral palsy
• Brain injury
• Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
• Early intervention for
  • Premature baby
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Heart conditions
  • Any congenital condition resulting in long hospital stay with high risk of delay
  • Hypertonia
  • Hypotonia
  • Gross Motor delay
    • Developmental Coordination Disorder
    • Autism
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
    • Global development delay

Oncology:

• Post surgery rehabilitation
• Neuro-rehabilitation

Cardiopulmonary

• Chest Physiotherapy
  • ICU- airway secretions clearance
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
• Weight management