Your Child's Development
The development of movement in children is a normal process
which we take for granted. However sometimes a baby or young
children shows a delay in achieving particular movement skills and
needs assistance. Physiotherapists are trained to recognise and
treat these problems of movement and posture.
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Why Your Child May
Need Physiotherapy
If your child has any of the following
problems, then it is very likely that physiotherapy can help.
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Slow to achieve rolling, sitting, crawling,
walking.
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Difficult to settle, feed or handle.
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Disinterested in people and toys.
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Too
"stiff" or too "floppy" and dislikes being moved; or strongly
favours the use of one side of the body.
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Appears clumsy, has problems with ball skills,
balance or co-ordination which affects play with other
children.
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Unable to concentrate or give attention to an
activity, e.g. at school.
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Showing poor posture in sitting or standing. | |
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What
Physiotherapists Do
Physiotherapists have detailed knowledge of all
aspects of a child's development and are skilled at assessing and
treating movement problems. Physiotherapists work in hospitals,
community-based health centres, special centres, pre-schools,
schools, private practice or visit at home.
Physiotherapists:
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Assess your child's problem.
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Devise a special programme for your child's
individual needs. This may include purposeful play using toys,
ball games, balance and climbing activities, or specialised
equipment.
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Encourage reach and grasp, eye-hand co-ordination,
body movement and exploration, achievement of sitting and
walking, improved balance and co-ordination, muscle strength
and flexibility.
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Help you understand your child's problems and teach
you to encourage normal movement when you are dressing,
bathing or playing with your child.
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Advise you on suitable equipment, footwear and toys
for home and school use. Refer you and your child to other
services as necessary e.g. doctors, other therapists. |
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Where to Get Help
for Your Child
If you are concerned about your child's
development, you can enquire about physiotherapy services by
phoning:
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The
Physiotherapy Department of the children's hospital in your
state.
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The
Australian Physiotherapy Association in your state and ask for
the Paediatric Group contact person.
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| � By courtesy of the Australian Physiotherapy Association
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