PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY IN MONTREAL

Renowned Physical REhabilitation clinic

pediatric physiotherapy

Pediatric physiotherapy, a specialized field of physical rehabilitation, is crucial for treating young patients. This branch requires specific expertise as it must be tailored to the unique needs of children, from birth to adolescence. It aims to support each key stage of their motor development.

The intervention of a pediatric physiotherapist is particularly important when a child faces specific challenges in their motor development. Early management by a specialized professional can significantly impact the child’s progress. This approach is not limited to improving motor functions but also plays a vital role in contributing to healthy and balanced motor development, laying the foundations for optimal growth and health

– Plagiocephaly (flat head) or other cranial asymmetries.

– Head rotation or tilting of the head to the same side.

– Congenital or acquired torticollis

– Atypical movements: scooting on buttocks, walking on tiptoes.

– Developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia).

– Preferential use of one side of the body.

– Delay in the development of motor skills such as rolling over, crawling, sitting, standing or walking.

-Altered muscle tone (hypotonia/hypertonia).

-Cerebral palsy.

-Congenital or acquired torticollis.

-Scoliosis, kyphosis, or other postural atypies.

-Postural atypies in sitting or standing positions, e.g., sitting in a W position, knees turned inward.

– Decreased muscle strength, difficulty with endurance or coordination activities.

– Difficulty in physical education classes.

– Difficulty in learning to ride a bicycle.

A pediatric physiotherapy session takes place in a caring environment, designed to stimulate the child as well as reassure and guide the parents. The approach is playful and age-appropriate for the young patient to keep their interest engaged throughout the session. Initially, the physiotherapist starts with a detailed evaluation to identify the child’s specific needs. This involves observing their posture, the quality of their movements, and their motor development.

Following this evaluation, the specialist develops a specialized treatment plan that may include a variety of exercises to improve mobility, postural control (through stretching exercises, as well as muscle strengthening or facilitation techniques), and activities for balance and coordination for older children. For younger children, therapy may also involve gentle overall stimulation and facilitation techniques to better guide their development. Therapeutic tools such as balls or interactive games are frequently used to make the exercises more appealing.

Parents are not just bystanders; they are actively involved in the process, receiving guidance and exercises to practice at home to reinforce the progress made during the sessions. Each session ends on a positive note, celebrating the child’s successes, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation. The ultimate goal is to promote the child’s optimal development, ensuring that each step forward is a move towards greater independence and a better quality of life.