Paediatric Physiotherapy at Next Move Physiotherapy

Next Move Physiotherapy is offering a scoliosis screening and postural care service for school aged children

Idiopathic scoliosis: is a lateral curvature of the spine which occurs for no apparent reason.  It is most prevalent in school aged children between 12-14 years but may also start at puberty or during a growth spurt. Three to five percent of adolescents will be found to have some form of scoliosis. If left untreated, it can result in significant deformity.  Symptoms of scoliosis may include back pain, leg length discrepancy, an abnormal gait, uneven hips and shoulders.

Back Pain:  Is the most common presenting complaint of patients to Physiotherapists and can be debilitating. Prevention is better than cure!  With the appropriate back care advice and education to children, we can reduce the incidence of back problems in adolescent and adult life.

What type of Treatment does a Paediatric Physiotherapist do?

Paediatric Physiotherapists offers a variety of different types of physiotherapy for children from birth to adolescence and ensures that every child receives the best treatment available.

A Typical Treatment Session may include:

1. Stretching – active and passive
2. Strengthening of weak muscles
3. Strapping-Splinting
4. Posture assessment
5. Assessment of an infant’s normal development
6. Sports injuries
7. Advise on Positioning and activities
8. Balance & Co-ordination exercises
9. Exercises to help develop gross motor development
10. Exercises to improve gait (how child walks)
11. Implementation of a home exercise program

The paediatric physiotherapist tries to work closely with the family and child to form a cohesive team to address the needs of the child.

A child can also be referred to Physiotherapy for the following concerns

-Un-coordination issues/ Fall

-Concerns about child’s development compared to other children

-Concerns about child’s hips or feet

-After Sports Injury/ Limb fractures Child is unusually floppy or stiff

-Postural Problems

-Toe walking

-Rehabilitation post surgery