What are common conditions in children that need physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in addressing various conditions in children, including:
- Developmental Delays: Physiotherapy aids in motor skill development and achieving milestones.
- Cerebral Palsy: It helps manage muscle tone, mobility, and coordination challenges.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Physiotherapy enhances motor skills, sensory integration, and functional independence.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Physiotherapy aids recovery from fractures, sprains, and sports-related injuries.
- Neuromuscular Disorders: It supports children with conditions like muscular dystrophy or spina bifida.
- Respiratory Conditions: Physiotherapy assists in managing breathing difficulties and improving lung function.
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: It aids recovery after surgeries like orthopaedic procedures.
What are the most common physical health problems in children?
Several physical health issues are prevalent among children, including:
- Muscle Weakness: Children with muscle weakness can benefit from physiotherapy to strengthen their muscles and improve mobility.
- Coordination Difficulties: Physiotherapy helps enhance coordination skills, facilitating smoother movement and motor functions.
- Torticollis: This condition involves neck muscle tightness, and physiotherapy addresses posture and movement issues.
- Gait Abnormalities: Physiotherapists work on correcting abnormal walking patterns and improving overall gait.
- Developmental Disorders: Physiotherapy aids in addressing motor skill delays and developmental challenges.
- Respiratory Disorders: Physiotherapy techniques assist in managing conditions like asthma and promoting optimal lung function.
How does physiotherapy address specific conditions in children?
Physiotherapy employs tailored approaches for each condition:
- Assessment: The physiotherapist assesses the child’s needs, strengths, and challenges.
- Goal Setting: Specific goals are established based on the child’s condition and developmental stage.
- Intervention: Physiotherapy sessions may include exercises, stretches, play-based activities, and techniques like hydrotherapy or electrical stimulation.
- Home Exercises: Parents receive guidance on home exercises to reinforce progress and promote consistent development.
- Collaboration: Physiotherapists collaborate with families, doctors, and educators to ensure a holistic approach to care.
In Singapore, paediatric physiotherapy is a valuable resource for addressing a wide range of physical health challenges in children. By tailoring interventions to specific conditions, physiotherapists contribute to improving children’s mobility, function, and overall well-being, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.
