WHAT IS PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

What is a Pediatric Physical Therapist

Pediatric Physical Therapists are musculoskeletal specialists who are specifically trained in the evaluation, treatment, and management of children birth to 21 years of age with a variety of congenital and acquired conditions and diagnoses. These include but are not limited to Cerebral Palsy, Torticollis and Plagiocephally, Spectrum Disorders including Autism, Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome, as well as other genetic duplication/deletion conditions), Muscular Dystrophy (and associated disorders), Spina Bifida, Arthrogryposis (and associated disorders), Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cystic Fibrosis, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Cancer. Pediatric Physical Therapists are also trained in the treatment and management of paediatric orthopaedic impairments including Scoliosis, sports injuries, fractures, and orthopaedic surgeries.  In addition therapists routinely work with children who present with delayed developmental milestones, pervasive developmental delay, are designated ‘at risk’ due to premature birth, familial or environmental factors, or a variety of other conditions presenting with low/high/mixed tone, sensory impairment, decreased strength, flexibility, range of motion, coordination, balance, or failure to meet developmental milestones. 

What do Pediatric Therapists do?

Pediatric Physical Therapists work with children and their families to help promote improved gross motor performance in order to allow children to reach their full potential and participate freely in home, school and community based activities.  During initial evaluation a therapist will assess a child’s range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, gait, posture, muscle tone, and as well as performance of age appropriate gross motor skills.  Following this assessment the therapist will sit down with the child’s family and caregivers to discuss the child’s evaluation and set age appropriate functional goals.  The therapist will then you specialised, specifically designed, treatment strategies to address these goals.  Assessment of a child’s performance occurs regularly, as well as periodic re-assessment and re-evaluation.  Discharge of a patient occurs when the child has met their goals.   

How does Pediatric PT Treatment Differ from other PT treatment:

Pediatric Physical Therapy treatment differs from other physical therapy treatment in its design, implementation, and execution.  Children are unique, beautiful and totally unpredictable creatures.  Each child requires a distinct treatment plan that emphasises creativity and engagement while focusing on improving gross motor function.  Pediatric Physical Therapist treatment uses a play based, child centred approach, with a strong emphasis on building rapport with patients and their families. As children exist within the context of their family and home environment, paediatric physical therapists often promote a coaching model of treatment, enlisting the support of family and friends in the design and implementation of therapeutic intervention.  From the initial evaluation through to discharge Pediatric Physical Therapy should look, feel, and sound different than a generalists office, because just like children, it is.  

Why Choose a Pediatric Physical Therapist over a generalist?

The easiest answer is, because children aren’t small adults.  Pediatric Physical Therapists are specifically trained in the treatment and management of childhood musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.  While the general anatomy of a child is similar to an adult, it is not the same.  Children presenting to physical therapy are each in a unique stage of development, their bones, muscles, and nervous systems are not fully developed and require a practitioner with the knowledge and understanding to identify and treat them.  Furthermore, as noted above, paediatric therapeutic intervention differs greatly in its approach and execution.  From the management of children’s behaviours, to multitasking and masking intervention with play, to meeting the physical and emotional needs of the child and their family, Pediatric Physical Therapists are uniquely equipped with the skills, expertise, and experience needed to treat paediatric clients.