Children aren’t only a miniature version of adults, they are different. They are not only built differently but they move, think and act differently as well. As a result, their needs vary from those of grown adults, so they have special doctors.
Just like all other medical issues, the physical therapists for children are not regular doctors, they have specialization in pediatric physiotherapy. However, most people aren’t even aware of pediatric physiotherapy and why children need it.
Therefore, today we are going to tell you everything you need to know about pediatric physiotherapy. Continue reading to enlighten yourself!
What is Pediatric Physiotherapy?
The branch of physical therapy that deals particularly with physical issues of children and babies is known as pediatric physiotherapy.
In simple words, the pediatric physiotherapy is used to treat issues that affect the optimal physical development in children. The main objective of this type of physical therapy is to help children in developing and maintaining their existing mobility skills, joint range of movement, motor skills and muscular strength. This therapy also strives to help babies and children who are unable to achieve their motor skill milestones i.e., unable to walk or crawl.
Pediatric Physiotherapist: Who are they?
Pediatric physio are physical therapists that have specialized in pediatric physiotherapy after completing their basic education. These therapists are specially trained to improve the life and day-to-day activities of children who suffer from congenital issues.
They possess expert skills for the assessment, diagnosis, identification and treatment of development and movement difficulties that children develop. They make use of their highly developed skills and a hands-on approach with a mixture of playful activities to treat children. All patients under the age of 18 years can see a pediatric physiotherapist.
Conditions That Require Pediatric Physiotherapy
There are many disorders and health conditions that children suffer from due to their family history which can cause hindrance in their everyday movement. Pediatric physical therapy specifically addresses any such issues that children might face.
Some of these conditions are:
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy and associated disorders
- Spina Bifida
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Arthrogryposis.
- Cystic Fibrosis,
- Cancer
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Hypotonia
- Developmental coordination disorder
- Scoliosis
- Back pain
- Sports injuries
- Fractures
- Post Orthopedic Surgery Care
Why Do Children Need Pediatric Physiotherapists?
Children aren’t mature enough to understand why they need to undergo physical therapy and their bones are slightly different from adults, particularly infants and babies who still need to wait for their bones to fuse together. Although all physiotherapists have ample experience and skills to treat physical issues, dealing with children require special expertise. Therefore, to cater to the special needs of children, physical therapists having specialization in paediatrics are required.
These therapists have to be extra patient and friendly so they can handle children. Moreover, these PTs have good training on how to incorporate playful and fun activities in their therapy plan to engage children with them.
Because of such special needs and demands of children, it’s recommended to take them to a certified pediatric physical therapist in case of need.
What Happens During a Physical Therapy Session for Children?
The main difference that makes a pediatric physical therapy session from a regular one is the fun that adults can’t have. All physical therapy sessions for children include playing in most of their part as PTs are trained to engage children with fun. Therefore, PTs have to engage the patients in fun-filled, age-appropriate activities and games that not only help them in treatment but also motivate them and make them happy.
Moreover, as PTs need to improve gross motor skills so, they involve children in activities such as
- Playing and balancing on large exercise balls for strength building.
- Running and hopping for improving coordination.
- Walking on a balance beam.
- Standing on one foot.
Other than these activities, your child’s PT will also assign activities for you that you have to do with them at home.
To sum it up, it is evidently clear that pediatric physiotherapy is different from regular physiotherapy. But one thing remains the same, whether you’re looking for a pediatric PT or physiotherapist in Dubai, you need to do your research to select the most experienced and professional specialist.