Pediatric Physiotherapy

We all have an idea what physio’s do for adults – they help people with movement difficulties. This might include helping people following injuries such as strains, rolled ankles; helping people who have pain in knees, shoulders, backs, necks; and helping people to move again following surgery or a neurological injury such as a stroke or a brain injury. But not many people know what a physio might do for a baby or child.

Children are built differently, they move differently and think differently. As a result, babies and children will benefit from seeing a physiotherapist who is trained and experienced in paediatrics. Paediatric physiotherapists are experts in child development, particularly in relation to the development of the movement. Movement is a very important aspect of development for babies and children. Movement allows babies and children to explore their bodies and how they work, as well as their environment and all the things in their world – being able to move easily and successfully is essential for learning and growing.

Pediatric physiotherapists don’t necessarily rehabilitate a child to do a certain task they have previously been able to do rather they teach and help them to learn a new skill which can be extremely powerful. It is also important to remember that children aren’t just mini-adults and that they have different needs and goals. Pediatric Physiotherapy aims to improve a child's movement abilities through the use of methods such as movement training, strengthening, exercise, stretching, intensive therapy programs, adapted equipment, motor learning, and play as well as education.