Paediatric Physiotherapy West Ryde, Sydney
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 helping 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 offers 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?
Paediatric physiotherapy, also known as paediatric physio or children’s physiotherapy, helps children with issues causing problems with movement. Paediatric physiotherapists understand that children are not just mini-adults— they’re built differently, and so they move differently. A paediatric physiotherapist has undergone years of education and training in child development and has a special interest in 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.
Babies
Babies, especially those who were born prematurely (at less than 36 weeks’ gestation) or at a low birth weight (under 1500g) have specific needs as they adapt to life on the outside. Thanks to their extensive education and training, paediatric physiotherapists understand these needs and how to work with both baby and parent to assist babies:
- 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 can 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 can help children with:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Brain injuries
- Other injuries and trauma
- Muscular dystrophies
- Congenital conditions such as Ehler’s 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
As your physiotherapist has a thorough understanding of child development, they understand that some may take longer to ‘warm up’ to the idea of physiotherapy. This is part of the process, and your children’s physio will work with everybody involved to ensure your child feels comfortable.
Your Paediatric Physiotherapy Questions Answered
What does a paediatric physiotherapist look at?
People often associate physiotherapy with adults, particularly adults with chronic pain or injuries, or those who are undergoing rehabilitation. While a paediatric physio may use similar therapies, they’re specifically tailored to children with the aim of improving 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 depend on the outcome of your child’s assessment. This will vary widely depending on your child’s age, abilities, and condition, but as a general guide 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 helping you you to help 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 understand children’s unique needs and are ready to help your child feel and move as well as possible. To book an appointment, get in contact with 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
