Babies and Children

During each stage of development, physiotherapy treatment might help your child with movement, function or illness. For example, a common goal for premature babies is to help maintain proper posture. For toddlers and children a common goal is to improve quality of life and promote independence. Further, in adolescents a common goal often is to promote movement and sport specific techniques.

It is important when working with children and teenagers, to listen to their needs or concerns and involve them in the decision-making process. As physiotherapists, we work with the neuromuscular skeletal system which includes, but is not limited to nerves, muscles and bones. We are well equipped to assess and treat the younger generation and assist to treat and prevent injuries, as far as possible.

What can parents expect from a baby-session:

CranioSacral Therapy (CST)

“CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.”

It works by affecting the cerebrospinal fluid and in turn regulating the nervous system. Furthermore it releases tension through the release of connective tissue (fascia) in the cranium and body. CST is thought to improve efficiency of biological processes through boosting inherent self-regulation, self-correction and self-healing.

Plagiocephaly and Torticollis

Plagiocephaly, also known as “flat head syndrome”, is a condition where a baby’s skull develops a flat spot, often on one side or the back of the head. It’s a common and usually treatable condition. Plagiocephaly can result from prolonged pressure on the same area of the skull due to torticollis, position in the womb, etc. A thorough evaluation of the baby’s biomechanics is a key point in treatment.

Toritcollis is a condition characterised by an abnormal, twisted or tilted head and neck position, often caused by muscle spasms or contractions. It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). Torticollis can result from various causes and may lead to plagiocpehaly. At IR Physio we are experienced in treating babies with plagiocephaly and/or torticollis. Treatment often includes a full body assessment, fascia and other body work such as CranioSacral Therapy.

Traumatic Births

When a family goes through a traumatic birthing process, it can place a lot of extra pressure on the parents and baby. This may cause baby to cry easily, a heightened fight or flight reaction and/or sensitised reflexes. Through gentle techniques we are able to work on mom and baby’s nervous system to enable them to relax and return to a more comfortable place.

Feeding Difficulties

Feeding difficulties in newborns can manifest in various ways, including problems with latching, sucking, swallowing, or even a general lack of interest in feeding. Physiotherapy can help with education, latching difficulties, reflux, cramps, palette and mouth stiffness, poor weight gain and feeding aversions.

This is a very gentle, specialised area of work and we make sure to get the parents involved as much as possible. We work in a team with lactation specialists in order to empower the parents, while working on the baby.

Growth Spurts

All adolescents go through growth spurts. During this time, they can experience pain that may be worrisome to parents. In some cases, this type of pain can have a long-term effect. Growth pains include Osgood Schlatter, Sever’s or Scheuerman’s disease. Teenagers can also get postural dysfunction and back pain during puberty. Your physiotherapist can assist you in identifying whether this pain will subside over time, or whether it could be more serious. Most teenagers respond very well to manual therapy and exercise.

Adolescents/Children with Pain

Pain is an ever realistic trend amongst the youth, as a result of the lifestyle demands placed on the growing child. Children with pain include the imbalanced athlete, the scholar with an over-loaded back pack, as well as the inactive PlayStation/computer gamer, let alone the cellphone user. Early intervention and education to overcome these imbalances are key to prevent a future generation of poor posture and pain.

Apophysitis

Both Sever’s disease and Osgood Schlatter disease are what are called apophysitis. Apophysitis is the inflammation and irritation of the boney attachment of a tendon. Osgood Schlatter refers to the knee where the patella tendon attaches to the shin. Sever’s disease is the irritation of the achilles tendon on the heel. Both conditions are seen as a result of a couple of factors. These may include growth spurts or overuse/misuse injuries. Physiotherapy assists with managing pain, preventing future complications and rehabilitation to return to sport or function.

Scheuerman’s Disease

This condition, if left untreated, results in a postural deformity or increased “hunch” in the back. The disease results in the vertebrae “wedging” and associated pain in the middle and lower back. Scheuerman’s Disease is confirmed with an X-ray and is managed in collaboration with an orthopeadic surgeon. Patients complain of pain, and physiotherapy can assist with pain management, as well as strengthening to prevent further wedging and postural deformity.

Babies and Children

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