Helping Kids Move and Grow Stronger: How Physiotherapy Can Help

Did you know, it takes a child about 2,000 steps to learn to walk! That's a lot of work, and physiotherapists understand how to help kids with every step they take. We've seen many children go from wobbly to walking and running with confidence! Getting help early can make a big difference, especially if your child has any developmental delays.

We firmly believe that children are not just small adults. Their bodies and brains are still growing, so they need special care. Physiotherapists who work with kids know how to help them at each stage of development.

We are very aware that not many people know about how physiotherapy can apply to specifically to children and babies. In this article we discuss a few key concepts on physiotherapy in paediatrics. 

Key Principles of Working with Children in Physiotherapy

• Figuring Out How Your Child Moves

To understand how your child is moving, physiotherapists use different tools and tests. These tests help them see if your child is developing their motor skills (like crawling, walking, and running) at the right pace. They also look closely at how your child moves, not just if they can do something, but how they do it.

• Looking at Your Child's World

Physiotherapists also look at your child's environment – their home, school, and where they play. Sometimes, making small changes in these places can make a big difference in how your child moves, feels and develops over time. We can work closely with schools, coaches and teachers to make changes or adapt a child’s environment where needed. 

• Working Together with Parents

You know your child best! Physiotherapists work closely with parents to understand what they've noticed about their child's movement. This teamwork helps them get a better picture of your child's needs and create a plan that works for your family. We believe that each family is on a journey of development with their child, we are there to provide long-term assistance each step of the way. 

Helping with Some Common Childhood Issues

• Scoliosis (Curvature of the Spine)

Scoliosis is when the spine curves to the side. Physiotherapy can help kids with scoliosis learn special exercises to improve their posture and reduce the curve in their spine. It is important to look at external factors that may influence the development of the spine, including school bag type, school bag weight and even posture at their desk. 

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

JIA means your child's joints can get sore and stiff. It's important to find a good balance between protecting their joints, helping them move, and managing their pain. The exercises and activities we suggest will depend on how your child’s symptoms. When their joints are sore (during a flare-up), gentle movements can help keep them flexible without making things worse. When they're feeling better, we can work on exercises to make their muscles stronger and help them move more easily.

We'll also spend some time educating each family on home management, types of pain, and when to continue with your exercise program. 

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

DCD affects a child's ability to plan and execute movements, impacting everything from handwriting to playing sports. It's more than just being a bit clumsy.

Children with DCD might have difficulty with tasks like tying shoes, catching a ball, or writing neatly. Work with your child's teacher! Physiotherapy looks how each unique child moves and how this may impact their tasks. We use this to guide our treatment, to set age-appropriate and task-specific goals with each child. 

• Joint Hypermobility

Some children are naturally very flexible, but for those with joint hypermobility, this can lead to joint pain, more unstable joints and may make a child more prone to injury.

Some individuals can have no other symptoms with joint hypermobility, but each person will have their own unique experience. As physiotherapists we must assess each child individually to see how the presence of joint hypermobility may affect their symptoms or their participation. Recommendations and exercises are then tailor-made to each child. 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Motor Skills

Children with ASD may face unique motor challenges, these challenges can include difficulties with coordination, balance, and muscle strength. We find that predictable movement programs work well, with gradually introducing new variations to movement. We also consider the role of the their unique sensory system to help improve the experience and development of motor tasks. 

• Sports Injuries in Growing Athletes

Children that participate in sports, on any level, can also get injured. Physiotherapists who work with children consider that these injuries are occurring in still-developing bodies, and understand the implications of this. We also have a good idea of some of the more common childhood injuries and conditions, which assists us in making an accurate assessment of any underlying conditions. Activity modifications, flexibility exercises, and gradual strengthening may be necessary for treatment. Working alongside families, teachers and coaches also assists each child in getting back on the field with confidence in their bodies. 

Key Takeaways for Parents:

• Early intervention is key: Addressing motor or developmental challenges early can set a child up for success later on.

• Collaboration is essential: Work closely with teachers, therapists, teachers and other professionals  helps to create a holistically supportive environment for your child.

• Every child is unique: Understanding that conditions can be common, but each child is unique helps us in tailoring child-specific strategies to address individual needs.