Physiotherapy helps to improve the motor skills of children suffering from conditions that limit their movement and coordination. This form of therapy is also for individuals that have irregularities in areas of their brain that control muscle coordination. Physiotherapy for children involves assessing the anatomy, physiology and neurological framework of children. After assessment, physiotherapists help children to gain better control of their muscles by teaching them skills that will increase their muscle strength, which eventually allows them to function more independently.
Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy
Children with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy often undergo physiotherapy. These conditions generally appear during infancy and can dramatically affect a child's ability to control his muscles and bodily movements. Improving fine motor skills is the goal for patients with these conditions. Children with these ailments are also in need of physiotherapy that assists them with balance, movement, communication skills, sensory and perception.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a form of physiotherapy that assist individuals with life skills and fine motor skills. For a child, this may include getting dressed, eating with utensils, gripping objects and writing. Assistive technology, such as toys, computers and mobility devices, are also incorporated into occupational therapy treatments. Practicing these skills regularly will help children with motor impairments to gain independence, thus improving the quality of their lives.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is another form of physiotherapy. Water exercises helps the body to become buoyant, which takes pressure off of joints and muscles during movement. This helps children with muscle disorders to move more freely. During hydrotherapy, children perform cardiovascular movements that strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination. These exercises are typically performed in a swimming pool or in a large tub.
Stretching and Massage
Loosening tight muscles is an important aspect of physiotherapy, and many physiotherapists integrate stretching exercises and massage therapy into their patient's treatments. Massage relieves muscle tension and alleviates the pain associated with damaged tissue, according to the Aarogya website. This lessens muscle stiffness, which can assist patients in improving their motor skills. Stretching and massage works in harmony with most forms of physiotherapy.
References
- Aarogya.com: Physiotherapy For Children
- Disaboom.com; Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Treatments ; Zachary Fenell
- The Journal of the American Medical Association; Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy for People With Cerebral Palsy; 2010
- Parents, Let's Unite For Kids: Family Guide To Assistive Technology
- American Cancer Society: Hydrotherapy
