The Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy is the treatment of any childhood condition, acute or chronic, by physical intervention, which may marginalise physical development and therefore interfere with a child’s functional development for living and learning.
Physiotherapists are involved with the physical development of a child and how this influences academic, cognitive, social and emotional development.
Referral may be initiated as a result of:
- Delay in normal developmental milestones
- Difficulties with physical activities, including PE, balance, visual-motor ball skills
- Poor postural integrity
- Problems with gait requiring analysis
- Imbalance in muscle tone
- Muscle weakness
The role of the Physiotherapist
To provide appropriate assessment, advice and intervention for any physical difficulties which may occur due to a developmental delay or specific disorder or be acquired through injury or a degenerative process.
The Physiotherapist will carry out a comprehensive assessment to establish a child’s baseline functional level and to ascertain whether their performance falls at an age appropriate level and with the quality expected.