Physiotherapy
The following information is aimed at helping parents, carers and teachers better understand Physiotherapy and its use as part of Therapy Focus' range of therapy services.
What do Physiotherapists do?
Physiotherapists, or Physios, assess the needs of children with movement or postural difficulties and provide treatment to address specific needs.
Physiotherapists have detailed knowledge of all aspects of a child's development, and are responsible for helping children acquire appropriate skills in the areas of strength, balance, flexibility coordination, posture and independent movement.
Who can beneift from Physiotherapy?
Children with any of the following difficulties may benefit from physiotherapy:
- Clumsiness - e.g. difficulties throwing or catching a ball, jumping or hopping
- Poor balance
- Tiredness when undertaking physical activity
- Floppiness or stiffness in parts of the body
- Movement difficulties or lack of movement control
- Poor posture
- Frequent chest infections or asthma
How can Physiotherapists help?
Physiotherapists incorporate opportunities for learning in the home, at school, and in community environments in order to:
- Improve muscle strength
- Improve joint flexibility
- Develop movement skills of the legs, arms, head and trunk
- Develop movement planning skills
- Improve balance and coordination
- Improve body posture
- Improve fitness and lung function
- Ensure effective use of equipment for movement and function in various environments
How are service provided?
Physiotherapy services are provided using a collaborative approach. Physiotherapists seek input from families, teachers, and other relevant parties to collectively identify a child's needs, and plans effective strategies to meet these needs. Services may be provided in one or more of the following ways, depending on a child 's individual needs and the resources available:
- Consultation, training and education for family members, teaching staff, and carers
- Provision of home programs
- Provision of classroom programs
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions