Pediatric physiotherapy
Etymology: (1903) ancient Greek φύσις, phýsis (nature) and θεραπεία, therapeía, (therapy).
Physiotherapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions in different fields. Pediatric physiotherapy, for example, is intended for clients between the ages of 0 and 17.
The role of pediatric physiotherapists is to assess a child’s motor development and physical abilities.
Pediatric physiotherapy is also involved in the prevention of potential developmental problems.
What is pediatric physiotherapy?
Some of the main conditions that are addressed with a pediatric approach to physiotherapy are:
- Congenital torticollis
- Plagiocephaly
- Delayed motor development
- A postural problem
- A problem with balance or coordination
- A delay or an abnormality in the walking pattern
- Alignment of the lower limbs
- Following an orthopedic injury such as a sprain, a fracture, or after surgery, …
How does pediatric physiotherapy work?
The pediatric physiotherapist assesses a child’s motor development in order to prevent delays in development and/or to detect and recognize physical impairments and disabilities. He or she will then be able to inform the parents about the problems encountered and develop a treatment plan adapted to the child’s condition.
When and why should you consult a pediatric physiotherapist?
Whether you are concerned about your child’s motor development or want to make sure he or she is developing properly, we will be happy to assess his or her condition and answer your questions.
We encourage you to see a pediatric physiotherapist if:
- You are concerned about your child’s motor development
- You notice changes in the shape of your baby’s head, if it flattens to one side or if your baby keeps his or her head turned to one side
- You notice a change in his or her muscle tone
- You notice a difficulty when moving or if your baby doesn’t like to be placed on his or her stomach
- You notice that your child tends to keep his or her fists closed after about 4 months of life
- You are worried about your child’s posture
- You are concerned about your child’s walking pattern or if he or she is not walking
- or for any other concern
Please note:
Physiotherapy is a service available in direct access to the population, which means that you can consult a physiotherapist without a medical referral.
What should you expect from a pediatric physiotherapy session?
The first session consists of the assessment. The physiotherapist will fill out a questionnaire in order to understand your child’s problem. He or she will then conduct an examination by observing your child move, seeing how they walk, and performing the appropriate tests to evaluate your child.
The physiotherapist will then be able to explain the results of the assessment to the parents and establish a treatment plan according to their goals and expectations.
This plan will consist of various recommendations and advice as well as an exercise program to follow with the child at home.
Afterwards, the sessions will be aimed at reassessing the child’s condition, advancing the therapies and exercises according to the child’s evolution and readjusting the treatment plan as needed.
Your physiotherapist will also be able to guide you and refer you to another health professional or physician if necessary.
Can I consult in pediatric physiotherapy for my baby?
Pediatric physiotherapy is for children from 0 to 17 years old, including infants. If you suspect that your baby has motor delays, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
A motor delay can be recognized by a number of signs. For example, after one month, your baby may not be able to stay on his or her tummy during playtime, or you may notice that he or she is having trouble drinking on one side.
Techniques used in pediatric physiotherapy
The treatment techniques used in pediatric physiotherapy include various manual therapy techniques, an exercise program, playing and stimulating activities done in the clinic and also taught for the home as well as appropriate recommendations and advice.
What is the training required to practice pediatric physiotherapy in Quebec? Are the physiotherapists members of the OPPQ?
Therapists who practice pediatric physiotherapy are physiotherapists. To become a physiotherapist, a master’s degree in physiotherapy is now required.
All our physiotherapists are members of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).
Costs of pediatric physiotherapy treatment
Contact us, by phone or email, to make an appointment and to obtain more information on the fees and the physiotherapy sessions.
You will receive a receipt for each session and most group insurance plans will reimburse a portion of the cost.
All the health professionals working at CMI Clinics are committed to your well-being and are there to help you and meet your needs.
The cost of a pediatric physiotherapy session is not covered by the RAMQ.
In need of a physiotherapy session?
Make an appointment quickly and let us heal you at one of our CMI Physiotherapy Clinics