There’s physiotherapy for kids?
There’s physiotherapy for kids? Even infants and newborns? What do you do?? I get this question all the time; in fact, I think too often. Physiotherapy for kids is an underutilized, underrecognized and often times unknown service to too many people. My goal with this blog is two-fold; break down myths that often accompany pediatric physical therapy, as well as provide you with education and resources on topics that might be directly related to you, your littles, or a little close to you. The general theme is access for all with the hope of prevention or early intervention. Let’s begin with:
WHO do we treat?
All ages, from newborns to infants, toddlers and teens. We do see some of the more common or obvious injuries whether they are sports related, post-surgical or fractures. But we also treat infants with torticollis (also known as wry-neck) or plagiocephaly (head shape concerns). We assist kids who are consistently toe-walking, delayed in their gross motor skills or have hyper (too much) or hypo (very little) -tonia (muscle tension). Both congenital (from birth) and acquired (developed after birth) conditions may present with the aforementioned symptoms. We assist littles with cerebral palsy to developmental coordination disorder to spina bifida (and the list goes on). Your little doesn’t need a diagnosis to see a physical therapist as well!
WHAT is a Pediatric Physiotherapist?
Pediatric Physiotherapists are regulated and primary health care practitioners who are trained through internships, additional courses and have an established interest in assessing and treating pediatric specific conditions.
WHERE should I bring my kid for an assessment/treatment?
Prior to booking an appointment for your little, ensure the clinic or physiotherapist you are seeing has been trained or practiced in treating your littles needs. Read the clinics website, therapists bios, do not hesitate to email or call the clinic for more information! Here at Movement First Physical Therapy, I am the clinic lead on all things pediatric physiotherapy. If you have questions feel free to drop me an email (jessie@movementfirstphysio.com) or call the clinic (780-752-5788).
WHEN should I seek treatment for my child?
My hope is that through some of these (future) blogs you will be able to recognize which conditions, symptoms and presentations would be appropriate for physical therapy. From concerns about your little’s milestone acquisition to sprained ankles or broken wrists, we are here to help guide your little to their goals.
Ultimately, treatment is reserved for ALL: both the traditional view of physical therapy for those that are hurt or diagnosed with a condition, but also for those that are healthy! Prevention, early intervention and education are invaluable assets to assist in your little in making healthy lifestyle choices and reinforcing the importance of movement
HOW to book an appointment:
You DO NOT need a doctor’s/specialist’s/physician’s/pediatrician’s referral to seek the assistance of a physiotherapist with your little. Here at Movement First Physical Therapy we offer both in-clinic initial assessments and treatments as well as Telehealth (or virtual) initial assessments and treatments.
As this service is a privately funded venture, you can look to your extended health care benefits dependents coverage to assist in the cost of physiotherapy as well. Most of these plans give your dependents the same coverage as you!
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns, and I am looking forward to writing more about all pediatric Physical Therapy has to offer!
Jessie Brown
Hi, I’m Jessie! Edmonton born and raised, I am a graduate from the University of Alberta with a Bachelors in Kinesiology and a Masters in Physical Therapy; along with holding post-graduate training in Biomedical Dry Needling. While attending the UofA I played and captained for the Pandas varsity soccer team; and twice represented Canada at the Universiade games. Read More →