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cerebral palsy - from mild hemiplegia to severe
quadriplegia;
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developmental delay - due to hypotonia with or
without diagnosis and may be gross motor or global;
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syndromes and other genetic conditions;
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spina bifida and neural tube defects;
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muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy;
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brachial plexus lesions;
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juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA);
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visual handicaps;
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premature babies with dystonia;
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postural problems - torticollis, scoliosis,
talipes, metatarsus adductus, or idiopathic toe walkers;
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respiratory problems such as cystic fibrosis or
asthma;
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osteogenis imperfecta;
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minimal cerebral dysfunction.
The role of
the paediatric physiotherapist is to assess the referred child
and give parents and/or carers advice regarding handling,
positioning and treatment through play and/or exercise.
Physiotherapists work closely with families, carers, teachers,
doctors and other health professionals. The approach is
holistic and practical, with an emphasis on gross motor
function and posture. For better outcomes and most effective
treatment results, early referral is the key (before eight
months). Infants and children can be seen at home, day care
centre, Early Intervention Programs, schools or clinics on a
regular basis.
Advice will be given on appropriate
handling and equipment including seating, standing frames,
mobility aids and pushers. A range of treatment methods may be
used such as neurodevelopmental therapy, motor learning and
hydrotherapy. Physiotherapists are often the first therapist
to see the child and are well received by parents.
Paediatric physiotherapists also work with a range of
conditions to help older children and adolescents, including:
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acquired brain injury and spinal injury;
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neurological diseases;
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post trauma injuries, such as fractures, sports
injuries, post orthopaedic surgery;
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juvenile chronic arthritis and related conditions;
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developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy,
muscular dystrophy and spina bifida;
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cystic fibrosis and other respiratory disorders
such as asthma;
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burns and plastic surgery;
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limb deficiency conditions;
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chronic pain
Physiotherapists help to
maintain and develop functional skill level and range of
movement in order to minimise joint contracture and postural
deformities. They encourage children to partake in a wide
range of activities at school and in the community to maintain
physical fitness and provide opportunities for socialisation
with their peers. They also prescribe and monitor the use of
aids such as orthotics, walking aids, and wheelchairs to help
maintain independence.
Finding a
physiotherapist
Paediatric
physiotherapists can be found in the Department of Human
Services, Hospitals, Community Health Centres and in funded
agencies such as The Spastic Society or Yooralla, or in
private practice.
Would you like the names of
physiotherapists who have a special interest in
Paediatrics? You can perform a search under this
category in our online search [Find
a Physiotherapist online now!].
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