Do Kids Need Physiotherapy?
Children need physiotherapy just as much as adults do. While we might believe that kids are naturally resilient and bounce back after injury more quickly than adults because they are still growing, it is this very growth and development that makes children’s needs unique. Growth spurts place different stresses on children’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Physiotherapists are important contributors to the health and well-being of a child.
Often doctors will recommend physiotherapy for children and teens who have been injured or who have movement problems from an illness, disease or disability.
After an injury, physiotherapists work to decrease pain and help kids return to daily activities. They teach kids exercises designed to help them regain strength and range of motion, and also show kids and families how to prevent future injuries.
Physiotherapy might be needed any time a problem with movement limits someone’s daily activities. So doctors often recommend physiotherapy for kids with:
- Sports injuries or injuries occurring during regular play
- Developmental delays
- Orthopedic injuries or disorders
- Acute trauma
- Head injury
- Limb deficiencies
What will a physiotherapist do for my Child?
Physiotherapists use a variety of treatments to help build strength, improve movement, and strengthen skills needed to complete daily activities.
- developmental activities, such as walking
- balance and coordination activities
- improving circulation around injuries by using heat, cold, exercise, electrical stimulation, massage, and ultrasound
- training to build strength around an injury
- flexibility exercises to increase range of motion
- instruction on how to avoid injuries
- safety and prevention programs
During your visit the physiotherapist may:
- measure a child’s flexibility and strength
- analyze how a child walks and runs (the child’s gait)
- identify existing and potential problems
- provide instructions for home exercise programs
- recommend when returning to sports is safe
A physiotherapist is trained to assess movement and physical development. They provide suggestions and support to improve mobility and mobility skills to help your child reach the highest level of independence.
Movement happens all the time each day, so it is important to take advantage of the everyday opportunities to help your child progress. Remember, you are your child’s best teacher.
As you can see there are certainly times in the life of a child when a physiotherapist can help. The healthy development of your child is very important to you and seeking a physiotherapist to help your child’s growth and development is an important part of their overall health and well-being. Contact your health team at Burlington Sports Therapy for more information or to book a consultation.