When should a Child see a Paediatric Physiotherapist?

Your child has hurt themselves playing a game of soccer, can you take them to a general physiotherapist? Or should you take them to a physio who is specifically trained in children’s physiotherapy techniques and conditions?

Physiotherapists are experts in treating, diagnosing and rehabilitating muscle and tendon strains, sprains and contusions that are frequent in both children and adults. A lot of the treatment processes and physiological responses are similar between children and adults. Although a child will often bounce back quicker than an adult as they do appear to heal at a faster rate.

If your child rolls their ankle, then a general physiotherapist will be more than adequately trained to ensure a full recovery and get them back to sport as fast as they can. The same goes with muscle tears, bruises, and even post surgical recovery. The time to consider whether you see a paediatric physiotherapist instead of a general physio depends on the complexity of the case, the seriousness of the injury or how specific your child is in their sports.

How hard is your child training at sports? If they are a gymnast who trains 16 hours a week, with desires to reach a higher level, whether state or olympic. It makes sense to see someone who has an in-depth knowledge specific to the development of children, or even a physiotherapist who trained as a gymnast when they were younger.

This is beneficial because they will know not only what your child is going through but they are up to date with the training programs in gymnastics and the latest updates in child or adolescent training programs and injury prevention strategies. In this instance you may find a general physiotherapist may play it a little more conservative with your child’s return to sport, which would often be fine for their recovery, however there is a small chance the recovery could be suboptimal.

If your child has suffered an injury to an area such as a growth plate, then you may find a paediatric physiotherapist is in a better position to treat this injury as they will be more up to date with the treatment protocols and the healing processes for such an injury. The same will go for serious ligament damage or post surgical recovery. The injuries suffered by a child vary from  those of an adult. One example is with fractures, children often suffer from greenstick fractures, which is an incomplete fracture. Adults on the other hand often had a complete break instead when they are unfortunate enough to suffer a fracture.

A paediatric physiotherapist really comes into their own for treating children when they are dealing with concerns specific to children or in dealing with impairments specific to children.

• • Experiences developmental delays:
    • Gross motor skills: Difficulty with rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, climbing, or balance.
    • Fine motor skills: Challenges with grasping, reaching, manipulating objects, using utensils, writing, or buttoning clothes.
    • Oral-motor skills: Problems with sucking, chewing, swallowing, or speech development.

• Posture and movements:

• • • Unusual gait or walking patterns, including toe walking.
    • Scoliosis
  • Has specific diagnoses:
    • Cerebral palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture.
    • Down syndrome: A genetic condition associated with developmental delays.
    • Autism spectrum disorder: A neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication and social interaction.
    • Spina bifida: A birth defect affecting the spinal cord.
    • Muscular dystrophy: A group of genetic disorders that cause muscle weakness and wasting.
    • Torticollis: A condition where the neck muscles are tight, causing the head to tilt or rotate to one side.
  • Has experienced trauma:
    • Premature birth: Can lead to developmental delays and neurological complications.
    • Brain injury: Can occur due to trauma, stroke, or infection.
  • Displays persistent pain:
    • Musculoskeletal pain: Back pain, neck pain, joint pain, or growing pains.
    • Post-surgical pain: Following orthopedic procedures.
  • Has difficulty participating in daily activities:
    • School: Difficulty with physical education, playground activities, or sitting at a desk.
    • Play: Limited ability to engage in age-appropriate play activities.
    • Self-care: Challenges with dressing, grooming, or using the toilet independently.

• Other concerns:
  • Frequent falls:
  • Concerns over muscle tone: – too high or too low.

• Specialised knowledge: Paediatric physiotherapists have in-depth understanding of child development, typical milestones, and the impact of various conditions on a child’s growth.
• Child-centered approach: They use play-based techniques to make therapy fun and engaging for children.
• Family-centered care: They involve parents and caregivers in the treatment plan, providing education and support.
• Access to specialised equipment and resources: Our paediatric physios have access to specialised therapeutic equipment and toys designed specifically for children.

In summary a paediatric physiotherapist is best placed to treat your child for a variety of concerns and injuries, however you will find a general physiotherapist is more than adequately trained to help treat your child for injuries. If your child is an elite sportsperson, has a child specific injury or has a neurological disability such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida or autism, then you should endeavor to see a children’s physiotherapist as they will be most appropriately trained and have the facilities to treat your child most effectively.

What do paediatric physiotherapists do?