Paediatric Physiotherapy at Nyle Hospital

Paediatric Physiotherapy is the area of medical science involving the treatment of children or youngsters with physical conditions that influence normal development of childhood. Paediatric physiotherapists make use of techniques and procedures that facilitate a child’s overall development coping with physical and development needs making him independent in the growing phase towards adulthood. They have special training to assess and treat infants, children and adolescents experiencing motion difficulties. Usually, kids are referred to benefit from this service by orthopaedic consultants and paediatricians.

Conditions Addressed by Paediatric Physiotherapists

The common conditions treated by paediatric physiotherapist are categorised as follows:

Neurological:

Brain injury

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

Cerebral palsy or Down syndrome

Early interference for premature babies, heart conditions, metabolic disorders and any congenital conditions involving long-term hospital stay and constant care

Hypertonia and Hypotonia

Gross motor and global developmental delay

Developmental coordination disorder

Autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Musculoskeletal:

Arthrogryposis

Congenital talipes calcaneovalgus (CTCV) and congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV)

Torticollis

Sports injury and post fracture care

Plagiocephaly

Poor posture and hip dysplasia

Pes planus or flat foot and abnormal gait - pigeon toe or intoeing, tip toeing

Oncology:

Post surgical care

Neuro-rehabilitation

Cardiopulmonary

Chest physiotherapy for ICU-airway clearance, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, chronic lung disease and cystic fibrosis

Weight management

Managing weight gain during post surgical care

Controlling obesity

Key Tasks of Paediatric Physiotherapists Include:

Proper planning of assessment and care - They assess motor ability, postural ability and joint movements of children and youngsters

Providing physiotherapy services for the overall physical development of children

Guiding in the appropriate selection and use of equipment such as standing frames, special seating, walking frames, etc.

Enabling children to attain highest physical potential

Promoting normal physical motion of children

Reducing the risk of deformity and contractures development

Improving the level of child’s independence

Support for affected child’s family

Collaborating with child’s healthcare providers

Rehabilitation service after orthopaedic surgery

The paediatric physiotherapists make use of wide range of approaches customised to meet each kid’s needs. Some of the commonly applied approaches include postural management, exercise programmes, walking aids, bespoke orthotics and special equipment recommendation. One of the important roles performed by paediatric physiotherapist is the coordination with children’s parents and others in providing proper support and advice that are essential for improving child’s condition outside hospital along with medicines.