Introduction
In today's society, the health and development of our children is of central importance. Pediatric physiotherapy in particular plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting motor development in children. This article is intended to provide an in-depth insight into the world of children's physiotherapy and show how this form of therapy can support your child's development.
Children's physiotherapy: historical development and milestones
Paediatric physiotherapy, an integral part of modern medical practice, has a rich history closely linked to advances in paediatrics and neurology.
Beginnings of children's physiotherapy
The early beginnings of children's physiotherapy date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At this time, medical professionals began to develop special techniques for treating children with poliomyelitis and other movement disorders.
The influence of poliomyelitis
The poliomyelitis epidemics of the early 1900s played a crucial role in the development of paediatric physical therapy. The need to find effective treatments for the paralysis caused by polio led to significant progress in this field.
Development in the 20th century
Over the course of the 20th century, the field of children's physiotherapy expanded. With a better understanding of childhood illnesses, specialized techniques and therapeutic approaches have been developed.
Berta Bobath (not evidence based)
Berta Bobath, a physiotherapist, and her husband Karel, a neurophysiologist, were known for their work with children with cerebral palsy in the 1940s. They developed the Bobath approach, which is still used today in the treatment of neurological diseases in children.
Modern children's physiotherapy
Today, paediatric physiotherapy encompasses a wide range of treatment approaches, tailored to the individual needs of each child. From early interventions to specialized programs for children with chronic illnesses, paediatric physical therapy has become an essential part of paediatric care.
From its humble beginnings to today's complex discipline, paediatric physical therapy has undergone a remarkable development. The combination of historical expertise and modern techniques ensures that every child receives the best possible support on their path to optimal health and well-being.
When is paediatric physiotherapy important?
The importance of children's physiotherapy becomes particularly clear when children are delayed in their motor development or have special needs that cannot be met by standard educational and developmental paths. This can be the case, for example, with premature births, genetic diseases, orthopaedic problems or after injuries.
Treatment goals
ApexaQLA Suisse focuses on central treatment goals in paediatric physiotherapy. It's about improving children's motor skills and mobility in order to achieve age-appropriate developmental steps. Another focus is on promoting independence and active participation in everyday life. In addition, great emphasis is placed on pain relief and increasing quality of life. These goals are aimed at supporting each child in their individual development and promoting positive, healthy growth.
The main goals of children's physiotherapy include:
Improve motor skills and mobility
Support in achieving age-appropriate milestones
Promoting independence and participation in everyday life
Pain relief and improvement in quality of life
Diagnosis and treatment approaches in children's physiotherapy
Paediatric physical therapy begins with a comprehensive diagnosis that identifies each child's specific needs and challenges. Based on this diagnosis, an individual treatment plan is developed.
Forms of therapy
Manual therapy
Manual therapy includes special grip techniques aimed at relieving pain and improving joint function. These techniques are customized to achieve optimal results.
Neurological forms of therapy
Are central in the treatment of motor control and coordination disorders. They are used specifically for children with neurological impairments. Neurological forms of therapy in children's physiotherapy are crucial for the treatment of disorders of motor control and coordination. These specialized techniques are tailored to the needs of each child and aim to support and improve neurological development. By using targeted exercises and methods, significant progress can be achieved in the motor skills and independence of children with neurological impairments. The focus is on increasing the quality of life and promoting active participation in everyday life.
Exercise therapy
In exercise therapy, a central element of children's physiotherapy, active exercises are used to strengthen the muscles and improve mobility. These exercises are essential for promoting the child's motor development. Not only do they help with physical strengthening, but they also help improve coordination and balance. Through exercise therapy, children are introduced to physical activities in a playful and motivating way, which in turn strengthens their self-awareness and self-confidence.
Dynamic movement intervention (DMI)
DMI is a modern approach to paediatric physiotherapy developed by Jo Anne Weltmann (Canada) and Jake Kreindler (USA). This method uses dynamic movements in a playful way to promote motor development and neurological functions.
Application of DMI
DMI is particularly effective in children with developmental delays or neurological challenges, such as cerebral palsy or hypotonia. Neuronal development is stimulated through targeted movement patterns and sensory stimulation.
Advantages of DMI
Promoting brain development and neuroplasticity
Improve motor skills and coordination
Support in achieving developmental milestones
Children's physiotherapy offers a comprehensive range of treatments through the combination of different forms of therapy, including the innovative DMI. This enables targeted and individual support for each child on their path to optimal development and health.
The role of parents
At ApexaQLA Suisse we understand the importance of involving parents in children's physiotherapy. Our therapists not only work with the children, but also closely with the parents. Through individual advice and coaching, we ensure that the therapy continues outside of our centre. Parents receive practical instructions and strategies to optimally support their children in everyday life and promote the sustainability of the therapy results. This collaboration strengthens the therapeutic effects and promotes comprehensive and holistic care for the child.
Conclusion
Child physiotherapy is an indispensable part of child development. It combines various forms of therapy, including manual therapies, special neurological techniques, movement therapies and innovative methods such as dynamic movement intervention (DMI). A core aspect is close collaboration with parents, as with ApexaQLA Suisse, where individual coaching and guidance ensures that the therapy continues at home. This holistic approach ensures that every child and their family receives the best possible support and encouragement, which contributes significantly to the child's healthy development and well-being.
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