OUR EXPERTISE IN PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our pediatric physiotherapists can treat some of your child’s physical problems and promote balanced motor development.
WHAT IS PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Pediatric physiotherapy specializes in rehabilitation for children of all ages and can even intervene as early as the first weeks of a newborn’s life. The goal of pediatric physiotherapy is to promote harmonious motor development through all stages of the child’s life (head control, sitting, walking, growth, etc.). Whether for fractures, torticollis, alignment problems or any other physical problem, the pediatric physiotherapist will use gentle manual techniques and adapted exercises to treat the problem.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
1. WHEN SHOULD A PHYSIOTHERAPIST BE SEEN FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN OF ANY AGE ?
There are many reasons or signs why a parent may see a pediatric physiotherapist.
In babies, torticollis and plagiocephaly (flat head) are among the most common reasons for consultation.
Have you noticed that your baby is always facing the same way? Maybe you find that your newborn has a flattening of the skull? If this is the case, you can consult a physiotherapist who will use gentle manual techniques and offer various exercises to help your baby regain full neck mobility and promote optimal and symmetrical skull growth.
Even if your child does not display any worrying signs, many parents consult us to enjoy the full benefits of pediatric physiotherapy, thus helping them understand their child’s motor development.
Among other things, the pediatric physiotherapist teaches you how to better supervise your child during play. As each child is different, the recommendations are personalized according to the specific characteristics of your child’s development.
Some parents come to see a pediatric physiotherapist following a doctor’s recommendation.
Some doctors recommend that parents consult a physiotherapist for various problems. Here are some of the issues treated by the physiotherapist:
- Fracture
- Difficulty walking
- Leg alignment problems
- Pain in the joints
- And more
Whether you have a medical diagnosis or not, the pediatric physiotherapist performs a complete assessment and provides you with the treatment plan to follow (physiotherapy, exercises at home or referral to a medical specialist, if applicable).
2. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A SESSION?
Here’s how a visit to the pediatric physiotherapist goes:
First step: The Initial Meeting
Following your consultation request, we plan a first meeting at the Physio-Ostéo Globalité clinic with your child. We take the time to discuss your child’s condition, environment and the diagnoses of other specialists, if any.
Second step: Evaluation
We then conduct a physical assessment where we analyze, among other things, your child’s mobility, strength, muscle tone and motor development. This assessment allows us to better understand the problem in order to move on to the next step or, in some cases, to refer your child to another specialist.
Step Three: The Treatment Plan
Through discussion and assessment, we then develop an appropriate treatment plan and a personalized exercise program adapted to your child’s current level of development. At this stage, we make sure that you understand the planned treatments and exercises and that you are comfortable with the process put in place. We also take care to offer you an exercise program that respects your life context.
Please note that a physiotherapy receipt will be issued for your insurance and tax return.
3. WHAT TREATMENTS ARE USED IN PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY ? PÉDIATRIQUE ?
We use gentle manual techniques to reduce the physical barriers that limit your child. For example, if we notice a muscle retraction, we will opt for a series of gentle stretches.
We also offer exercises that will allow your child to develop new motor skills on his own. For example, some exercises can strengthen the weaker side of the neck or help with the transition from the four-legged position to the standing position.
4. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST ?
First and foremost, our role is to conduct a rigorous assessment of the child’s condition. Before moving on to treatments, we determine if physiotherapy is the ideal solution to adjust the program. Then, we carry out the treatments according to the best current scientific knowledge and team up with the parents for the exercises to be done regularly at home. Finally, we refer you to a specialist or other professional, if necessary.
5. DO WE COLLABORATE WITH OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN?
If a child requires any follow-up by other professionals, we collaborate directly with those professionals during interdisciplinary meetings. With your permission, we may also contact your family doctor or other outside professionals by phone, email or letter in order to ensure optimal overall follow-up.