What is the role of a pediatric physiotherapist?

In the healthcare domain, you will come across many physiotherapists that enhance the well-being of diverse individuals. But, did you know that such a medical specialist can address challenges related to your child’s development? Well, pediatric physiotherapists work hard to promote optimal growth for children. So, with this in mind, we have covered the role of such a pediatric physiotherapist in Kamothe through this article.

What role does a pediatric physiotherapist play?

As you are concerned about your child’s development, you can approach a pediatric physiotherapist. Such a medical expert works closely with children of all ages. With time, they also aim to improve the quality of life. Now, let’s check out what you can expect during a session with a pediatric physiotherapist.

Assessment & Evaluation

Whenever you take your child to a pediatric physiotherapist, he will first evaluate your little one’s strength along with numerous abilities. Moreover, the medical specialist will also assess the extent to which your child is mobile. But, during the session, he will consider the stage in which your child is growing. The child’s age and overall development will also help to come up with a treatment plan.

Treatment Planning & Intervention

Soon after assessing the condition of your child, the physiotherapist will design a plan for treatment. But, before proceeding ahead, he will ensure that the needs are met. Under the plan, he will include various techniques and activities that can augment the child’s development. While the child follows everything from the medical specialist’s side, he will improve flexibility and motor skills. Additionally, the child will be able to enhance endurance and strength.

Motor development

As every session progresses, pediatric physiotherapists will aim at improving motor development. Thus, when time passes, the child will be able to use his muscles and try to crawl and walk gradually. But, if the child is a bit older, then the medical specialist will help to refine the motor skills. These are very much essential for playing outdoor sports, jumping and running.

Mobility & Gait Training

Whenever the child is busy with the session, the medical practitioner would introduce some techniques. These will help the child to walk smoothly and add on to mobility. The techniques that the physiotherapist will use can be beneficial when the child is injured. Besides, gait training can help when your child has undergone surgery or is coping with an illness.

Neurological Rehabilitation

If your child is suffering due to conditions like cerebral palsy or spina bifida, then physiotherapy is ideal. The treatment plan also helps to alleviate the severity of brain injuries. By using techniques like constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), the medical specialist tries to enhance motor skills and balance. Way ahead, movement of body parts can be improved through the Bobath approach.

Respiratory & Breathing Exercises

In case your child is not able to cope with asthma or cystic fibrosis, then the medical expert will suggest some breathing exercises. Moreover, airway clearance techniques will also be introduced to remove excess mucus from the lungs. This will thereby help the child to exhale and inhale air properly. Hence, the medical expert will be able to improve respiratory endurance and overall health.

Apart from the above points, physiotherapy can help treat children well if they experience pain due to an injury. While the medical expert focuses on managing pain, he will be in a better position to enhance muscle strength. Emotional support will also be offered by the physiotherapist. The family will always seek hope when the medical expert comprehends the overall impact of neurological conditions. After a few visits, the expert will also educate the family members on how they can support the child’s development. They will further offer advice on how physical activity can be encouraged in a supportive way.

What activities to consider for your child after physiotherapy?

There are many activities that can boost your child’s overall development. Let’s go through them quickly.

• Persuade your child to play with building blocks. As he places the blocks on top of one another, it will help to improve hand-eye coordination considerably. The child will also be able to improve focus and dexterity.
• Keep your child busy with drawing and painting pictures. Such an activity will enhance motor skills and ignite creativity.
• Play some upbeat music and tell your child to dance. As he listens to the rhythm, he will improve coordination to a certain extent.
• Tell your child to indulge in activities like pushing a wagon. Pulling an object can also help. In the long run, your child’s muscles will grow stronger.
• Boost the excitement for your child with activities like kicking or bouncing a ball. This will enhance agility and develop hand-eye coordination.
• Insist your child to be a part of walking and running games. While these games are simple, they can help maintain coordination while having fun.
• If you’re finding a great way to enhance hand-eye coordination, then tell your child to string beads. With time, he or she will develop small muscles present in the hands.
• Among the activities, you can also nudge your child to walk along a line. This line should be drawn on the floor. As soon as your child tries to walk, he will surely improve balance. He will also be completely aware of his body’s position.

Conclusion

Finally, a pediatric physiotherapist always focuses on enhancing the potential of your child. He will try to do his level best to support overall development. Once your child starts attending a few sessions, he will be completely independent. In addition, he will also be proactive in different types of daily activities.

Are you still concerned about your child’s physical development? Well, if that’s the case, then you can schedule an appointment with Matoshree Hospital. Our pediatric physiotherapist in Kamothe will first assess the child’s condition and then follow a treatment plan. While the medical expert develops the therapy programs, he will introduce playfulness and creativity. As the expert strives to optimize health, you will be glad that your child is a part of many activities.