Babies, and children are important little people, who deserve the best treatment and care, including physiotherapy. Sebab itu lah ada paediatrics physiotherapy.
But what exactly is paediatrics physiotherapy?
Nak pendek kan cerita, paediatric physiotherapy aims to help babies, children and adolescents below 18 years old achieve their optimal physical development. They work together with trained, and certified physiotherapists, who have knowledge in the conditions, development, and movement that have an impact on the growing child. Basically, they support infants, and young people to reach their physical potential as well as acting as an early intervention for children with neurological or developmental delays.
It’s Absolutely Different From Regular Physiotherapy!
With paediatric physiotherapy, both the child, and the families are involved in the activities as well as the exercises aimed at improving the child’s physical well-being.
While “regular physiotherapy” focuses more on movement, and intensity, paediatric physiotherapy focuses on play to encourage active participation from the child, paired with an exercise routine with the right amount of enthusiasm, and focus. Ye, paediatric physiotherapy bukan treatment kacang. As a matter of fact, the physiotherapist will also provide one-on-one care to children to ensure that they’re enjoying the activities, and thus, increasing their motivation, which will increase the possibility of a positive outcome.
Oh, the session could also include collaborative effort from other medical professionals to help provide a holistic treatment to the child. Sebagai contoh kan, a physiotherapist has authority to recommend, and teach the child in orthotics, prosthetics, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, customised wheelchair seating, and the list goes on.
Does My Child Need Physiotherapy?
Not necessarily. Contohnya…
Have you noticed your infant has developed a flat head?
Does your baby prefer to look at just one side?
Does your baby have a low tolerance for tummy time?
Is your baby’s breathing wheezy?
Are you concerned that your baby has yet to learn how to crawl or walk?
Are you concerned that your child is sedikit clumsy while running?
Are you concerned with your growing adolescent’s posture?
Is your child coughing excessively, especially at night?
If you’ve answered “yes” to even one of these questions, then sure! Your child might benefit from seeing paediatric physiotherapists.
Which brings us to our next point…
Who Benefits From It?
Paediatric physiotherapy benefits any children who have difficulties with their physical skills, especially for children who are diagnosed with some of the conditions or diagnosis listed below:
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Gross Motor Delay
- Hypotonia
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Neuromuscular Challenges
- Spina Bifida
- Torticollis or Plagiocephaly
- Weight Challenges
- Other genetic disorders
Yep, that’s right! Paediatric physiotherapy can benefit a lot of children, which is why there are five different types of paediatric physiotherapy available:
- Developmental Physiotherapy
- Learning Difficulties Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Paediatric Physiotherapy
- Neurological Paediatric Physiotherapy
- Respiratory Paediatric Physiotherapy
Mesti tak sangat ada banyak jenis kan? But it’s ok. A licensed physiotherapist will definitely know which type of physiotherapy is best suited for your children.
So, What Are The Benefits It Offers?
Paediatric physiotherapy can improve many aspects of a child’s life as well as their physical condition. Some of these benefits include, but tak terhad pada:
- More control over their movements
- Encourage independence
- Improved fine motor skills
- Improved gait
- Improved gross motor skills
- Improved walking pattern
- Increased balanced and coordination
- Increased independence
- Increased muscle strength
But sudah semestinya, sebelum anak kita dapat enjoy these benefits, a physiotherapist would have to conduct several assessments, and tests to determine the child’s condition, and subsequently, a treatment plan that is tailored to their condition to achieve optimum results.
The initial assessment will include:
- Assessing the child’s motor, and overall development through observation, special measures, and specific hands on assessment techniques
- Identifying the child’s strength, their weaknesses, areas that they are struggling with, and areas they excel at
Once the physiotherapist has an overall idea of the child’s condition, then will then proceed to design a treatment programme – with the parents active participation – to address the child’s difficulties, and ultimately, maximise their abilities.
But Which Physiotherapist Should I Go To?
It sounds senang, but honestly, parents who are looking to seek paediatric physiotherapy for their children are advised to seek our physiotherapists or a physiotherapy facility that is licensed, reputable, and has a stellar reputation.
But above all, do ensure that the physiotherapist along with the centre is experienced at handling conditions that are similar to your children to ensure that they are competent, and knowledgeable.
Remember parents, do relax, and rest assured that your children will be under the best care. *wink
Seronok baca? Jom get instant alerts on how you can take charge of your health by subscribing to our newsletter. All the T’s (topics, trends, tips and tricks, and tidbits) conveniently in your inbox!
Disclaimer: Our content is strictly for educational and informational purposes only. Healthlah.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
