Intervention is based upon an assessment of the child’s needs and the formation of an individual treatment programme.
Children's physiotherapists recognise the importance of working in partnership with the child, parents and carers to maximise a child’s physical abilities and independence.
Children's physiotherapists should have a good understanding of:
- child development
- childhood diseases and conditions that may impact on development and wellbeing
- therapeutic interventions that enable and optimise development and wellbeing
- 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
- how to develop their own skills and practice
- how to develop services in line with government guidance committed to improving quality and life chances for children
What conditions do we treat?
Children's physiotherapists treat babies, children and young people with a wide range of conditions. Some are similar to those seen in adults and some are specific to children:
- Burns and plastics
- Childhood cancers
- Congenital disorders e.g. Spina Bifida, limb deficiencies
- Co-ordination difficulties
- Developmental delay
- Learning difficulties
- Neonatal care
- Neuromuscular disorders e.g. Muscular Dystrophy
- Neurological conditions e.g. Cerebral Palsy, Head Injury, Spinal Cord Injury
- Orthopaedic conditions e.g. Talipes, Torticollis, Plagiocephaly
- Rheumatological conditions e.g. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Who can we help?
We see children and young people with a variety of difficulties and conditions. Sometimes only one appointment is necessary, and sometimes we are involved from birth to adulthood. Our assessment and treatment aims to promote independence and help every child achieve their potential.
How can we help?
- Provide information and advice for parents and carers and other service providers (health and education)
- Provide activity programmes and ways of supporting the child or young person in different environments. The programme may be carried out in partnership with parents, carers and others involved in the child’s or young person’s care following the physiotherapists recommendations.
- Recommendation of specialist equipment to support functional skills, learning and promote independence.
- Involvement in transition planning with regards to mobility.
- Direct therapy with children or young people as required
- Standardised assessments as indicated
How long will my child have to wait to be seen?
While we aim to see every child or young person in a timely manner, we do have a waiting list. If the referral meets our criteria the case will then either be placed on our waiting list or allocated to a physiotherapist depending on urgency, which is determined by level of risk.
What will be expected of you?
We ask parents and carers that you bring your child to all the agreed appointments. Goals and programmes will be agreed with the child (where possible) and parents/carers. Any programmes or recommendations need to be supported at home by the family for a successful outcome.
What to expect at your first appointment?
- We will aim to find out about your child’s difficulties and how physiotherapy may help
- We advise parents to come to the initial appointment to give consent and the information that is required.
- You will be asked about your childs development, their abilities and any difficulties that they are having. Your child will be involved as much as possible in these discussions.
- Your child will need to be appropriately undressed for the Physiotherapist to be able to physically examine them. The child or young person may want to wear shorts.
- Once assessed the physiotherapist will then discuss their findings with you and establish a plan for treatment if required. This may include what we can do to help you and what you and your child can do at home to continue treatment.
What if English is not my first language?
- We are always happy to arrange interpreters as needed, this could be face to face or by telephone interpreting.
- Please state on the referral form if an interpreter is required and what language is needed