Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy is a specialty area of physical therapy that helps children from 18 years of age down to premature babies.
The role of a pediatric physical therapist is to assess the child, giving advice, recommendations and exercises in order that the child can grow and develop within the "normal" parameters for their age. It essential that the program that is suggested by the physical therapist be understood by the parents and that the activities are fun for the child in order to gain compliance.* cerebral palsy
* developmental delay
* spina bifida or other neurological conditions
* musculoskeletal problems eg. torticollis, scoliosis or club foot deformities
* respiratory problems such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or bronchitis.
The pediatric physical therapist may work in an acute setting such as a hospital or they may work in a community with the child being seen either at home, in a day care centre, early intervention program, school setting or pediatric clinic. The pediatric physical therapist's primary role is to do with movement - which involves muscles, joints,bones and soft tissues as well as coordination and "normal" performance of both gross and fine motor skills. Depending upon the problem the child is experiencing, the pediatric physical theapist may suggest referral to other health professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists or social workers in order to provide the child with other input in areas that they may struggling in.
Leave a comment | View Comments
Sandra McFaul said:
A good site to find out more info about physical therapy (or physiotherapy) - depends what country you live in :-)
