Physical therapy is the provision of services to People and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing movement Potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Physical therapists delivers direct patient care, providing services that restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent Physical disabilities.
Pediatrics is a large speciality area in physical therapy today guided by the assessment findings. The Physical therapist will then develop and facilitate a treatment plan. Aside from the various Physiotherapeutic technique involved in therapy, the treatment regime may include prescribing and advice regarding assistive technology including mobility aids. Standing frames and walking devices. It is difficult to explore the many effects of physiotherapeutic treatment options, especially considering their onjoing development in the tale of an increasing research base.
Some of the conditions that pediatric physical therapists manage includes:
• Cerebral palsy, Spina bifida, Spinal cord injuries, Muscular dystrophies, Scoliosis, Torticollis, Delayed developmental milestones, Osgood – Schlatter disease, Heart and Lung Conditions, Sports related injuries etc.
Treatment in pediatric conditions is typically based upon exercises to restore motor function through attempting to overcome motor deficits and improve motor patterns. To achieve this aim various theoretical frameworks have been promoted, each based upon inferences drawn from basic and clinical Science research. Whilst some of these have remained Static, others are designed to take into account new developments, perhaps the most notable example being the “Movement Science” frame work. The various philosophies often generate considerable debate.
Pediatric Physical Therapy interventions may include:
Spinal and extremity manipulation, therapeutic Exercise, functional training, Electrotherapeutic and mechanical agents, Provision of aids and appliances, Patients education and counseling, documentation and Coordination and Communication. Intervention may also be aimed at prevention of impairments, functional limitations, disability and injury including the promotion and maintence of health, quality of life and fitness. There are some advanced therapeutic intervention techniques used in pediatrics cases like Preprioceptive neuromuscular, Neuro developmental techniques, Sensory Integration Techniques, Rood’s approach, Bobath approach, Volfa techniques, Brunnstorm Movements Therapy etc.