What is different about being a paediatric physiotherapist compared to a regular physiotherapist?
Children are not mini adults and so our treatment and management of them is aimed specifically towards promoting development. Children with neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida, developmental delay due to premature birth or genetic conditions such as Downs Syndrome or Luekodystrophy, do not have any previous knowledge of development or gross motor skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs and throwing or catching a ball. These are not automatic functions and need to be taught through movement and exercise incorporated in play and fun activities.
