Paediatric Physiotherapy near Gladesville
As a parent, nothing is more important to you than your children. You want them to experience all the world has to offer and achieve anything they set out to do, regardless of their abilities, strengths, or anything else that may set them apart from their peers. A paediatric physiotherapist is experienced in assisting children of all ages with a wide range of developmental and physical differences to move about their world as freely and easily as possible.
At NDPE, we offer paediatric physiotherapy to children of all ages, from babies to young adults. NDPE provides quality paediatric physiotherapy to local residents in West Ryde and surrounding areas, including Eastwood, Denistone, Marsfield, Epping, Ryde, Meadowbank, Melrose Park, Dundas Valley, Telopea, Putney, Carlingford, and Ermington.
What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?
The field of paediatric physiotherapy, also known as paediatric physio or children’s physiotherapy, is dedicated to supporting children facing movement-related issues. Paediatric physiotherapists comprehend that children possess distinct physical attributes and move differently from adults. They undergo extensive education and training in child development and exhibit a special interest in monitoring and fostering children’s development of movement.
Who Does a Paediatric Physiotherapist Help?
{A paediatric physio focuses on children’s movement abilities in all children from newborns to teenagers, due to a number of conditions and disabilities. | A paediatric physiotherapist focuses on assessing and enhancing children’s movement abilities throughout all stages of childhood, ranging from newborns to teenagers, catering to a diverse range of conditions and disabilities.
Babies
Babies, especially those born prematurely (at less than 36 weeks gestation) or with a low birth weight (under 1500g), have specific needs as they transition to life outside the womb. Paediatric physiotherapists’ extensive education and training enable them to understand these unique requirements and engage with both baby and parent to provide essential assistance:
- Needing help to turn their heads
- Having difficulty with tummy time
- With flat spots on the back or side or their heads
- Experiencing difficulty with sitting, rolling, crawling, and/or walking
- Who are slower to achieve their milestones
Children
Children’s physio extends from babies to young adults. Children of all ages may benefit from paediatric physiotherapy, as their rapidly growing bodies undergo a lot of changes in a short period of time. Growth spurts can cause pain and discomfort in children regardless of any additional challenges. Paediatric physiotherapy aims to support children with:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Brain injuries
- Other injuries and trauma
- Muscular dystrophies
- Congenital conditions such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Musculoskeletal issues such as Sever’s Disease and patellofemoral pain
- Rheumatological and pain conditions including arthritis, myositis, and chronic pain
- Chronic respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Problems with balance, posture, coordination, and gross motor skills
- Joint, muscle, or nervous system problems
- Sports injuries
- Recovery after surgery
Your physiotherapist, with a comprehensive understanding of child development, recognises that some children may take longer to feel comfortable with the idea of physiotherapy. This is a normal part of the process, and your children’s physio will collaborate with everyone involved to create a supportive and comfortable environment for your child.
Your Paediatric Physiotherapy Questions Answered
What does a paediatric physiotherapist look at?
The association between physiotherapy and adults is common, especially concerning chronic pain, injuries, or rehabilitation. However, paediatric physiotherapists use comparable therapies that are specifically tailored to children, aiming to enhance motor development, balance, coordination, range of motion, and strength. A paediatric physiotherapist will assess your child’s:
- Motor development
- Overall development
- Muscle tone, strength, and endurance
- Coordination
- Balance
- Stability
- Joint mechanics and alignment
- Communication
- Sensory challenges
What happens in a paediatric physiotherapy appointment?
The specific treatment will be based on your child’s assessment results. Since each child’s age, abilities, and condition vary, the treatment plan will be adapted accordingly. However, as a general reference, your children’s physio appointments may include:
- Hands-on physiotherapy
- Education on their condition
- Trialling orthotics, splints, or other equipment
- Communicating with other health professionals and support providers
How long will a paediatric physiotherapy appointment last for?
The length of the appointment will depend on multiple factors, including the condition your child has and the severity of the condition. Initial appointments will typically last over an hour, as this session will include getting to know your child and performing a comprehensive assessment. Follow-up appointments will generally take less time; however, the actual appointment time will vary between individuals.
Why Choose NDPE West Ryde?
At NDPE, our experienced paediatric physiotherapists get to know you and your child as individuals and as a family unit, assisting your child and enabling you to support them. We work with you to form a relationship that benefits your child physically and emotionally so that your child feels supported in every way possible.
Book Your Paediatric Physiotherapy Appointment in West Ryde
At NDPE, our experienced physiotherapists are well-versed in understanding the individual needs of children and are eager to aid your child in achieving optimal movement and well-being. To make an appointment, contact our team today. BOOK A PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT
Phone us to book an appointment: 02 9874 8410
Or book on-line: www.ndpe.com.au