Physiotherapy

Paediatric Physiotherapists have an understanding of:

• child development
  
• childhood diseases and conditions that may impact on development and well being
  
• therapeutic interventions that enable and optimise development and well being
  
• the need to place the child at the centre of planning
  
• the impact that having a sick or disabled child has on family life
  
• how to keep children safe
  
• how to ensure that children and young people make choices
  
• guidance for improving quality and life chances for children

Why do Physiotherapists see children?

Physiotherapists aim to improve the quality of life of children and young people by promoting independence and encouraging physical fitness and well being.

Who do Physiotherapists work with?

Physiotherapists work in close partnership with the child and their family, education, social care, other healthcare professionals and the voluntary sector. Together they have a shared responsibility for meeting children's needs.

Where do Physiotherapists work?

Physiotherapists work in hospitals, clinics, nurseries, schools, family homes and any other locations depending on the needs of the child or young person.

What do Physiotherapists do?

Assessment includes:

• Strength and co-ordination
  
• Motor development
  
• Posture and balance
  
• Quality of movement
  
• Function

This may include both formal and informal assessment such as observation.

The decision whether to offer further support from Physiotherapy is based on the outcome of assessment, the impact of the difficulty on the child's life and the likelihood of effecting change at this time. There is a range of possible ways of supporting a child. These will always involve working with and through parents and others such as classroom assistants, therapy support practitioners, class teachers, learning support assistants and nursery workers.

Possible ways of supporting the child may include one or more of the following:

• Training and advice for parents/carers and other service providers (health, social care, education)
  
• Provision of programmes of work and ways of supporting the child in different environments and by different people
  
• Specialist equipment and appliances advice
  
• Special swimming
  
• Involvement with educational and transition planning
  
• Direct therapy with the child individually or in a group

Following the agreed period of support, the child's progress is reviewed in partnership with parents/carers and others and further recommendations and actions are adopted according to the child's changing needs.