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Therapy Offered - Paediatrics

 

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) plus Bimanual Training (BIT) is used with patients who have difficulty using one arm or hand. These individuals often have decreased range of motion, strength, coordination and sensation in one of their upper extremities which often affects their ability to complete activities that require the use of two hands. CIMT includes:

 

  • Providing intensive practice for the weaker arm

  • Limiting use of the better arm by wearing a constraint

 

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

 

Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) is a problem solving assessment and treatment approach for children with neurological impairments or a delay in their motor skills. Low or high muscle tone, as well as poor strength may cause dysfunction in postural control and movement. This leads to limitations in function and/or delay in motor skills. Our therapist is trained in NDT therapeutic handling, assessment, observation and movement analysis. With this information, a treatment program can be developed. Children with cerebral palsy, brain injury or developmental delay may benefit from this form of treatment

 

The NDT/Bobath (Neuro-Developmental Treatment/Bobath) Therapy

Each child is unique and presents with his or her own challenges and temperament. Part of the assessment process is determining what type of treatment is best suited to your child’s needs. As paediatric therapist I believe that it is important to have a “tool box” of varied techniques and approaches to meet those needs. We are each committed to expanding our treatment “tool box” through ongoing education and professional development.

 

Outlined below are some examples of treatment approaches our paediatric therapists are trained in. Sometimes a combination of techniques may be the best way to help your child.

Gross Motor Development

Cortical Visual Stimulation Therapy / CVI Range

Vision Therapy is a type of Physical Therapy.  Like other forms of physical therapy, with vision therapy, optimum results require much more than visual acuity or binocular eye muscle control.  Vision therapy integrates visual acuity and binocular function plus detailed brain function activities that collectively control thousands of components of our entire bodies coordinated actions.  Your visual system is your steering system.  Vision Therapy makes it better.

Children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) can see but have difficulty understanding what they are seeing, but with proper visual stimulation patients have the potential to improve.

Lower Extremity Orthoses

Specialized Post Rhizotomy Intensive Therapy Program (SPRIT)/Post Botoux

 

After the surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), we offer an intensive, therapy program. It includes:

  • Physical therapy (PT) visits scheduled 2-5 times per week. Intensity is greatest immediately after surgery and decreases in stages up to a year after surgery.

  • If needed, occupational therapy (OT) services once per week

  • Home programming for the family to practice skills

 

Brain and Spine Clinic offer both mobility assessment and training services. A properly prescribed walker or stander can:

  • Help with independence in the home and school environment

  • Allow for growth and changes in abilities

  • Reduce the risk of skin breakdown

  • Decrease problems due to poor positioning and unsafe behaviors

  • Reduce the number of modifications needed over time

A referral from a physiotherapist is needed for the mobility equipment evaluation.  A physical therapist (PT) will perform this evaluation. The therapist will work with the family, and an equipment provider or vendor to help choose a device and equipment that is needed.

The evaluation will include:

  • Learning what your child needs the equipment for

  • The different environments the equipment will be used in (home, school, work)

  • A physical assessment to look at range of motion, strength, posture, and balance

Once the evaluation is done, the therapist will work with the vendor to submit information to your insurance.  When the equipment has been approved and ordered, a follow up visit will be scheduled.  The PT will make sure the equipment fits and provide training as needed.

Baby Massage for Special needs

Massage is particularly beneficial in helping babies with special needs to improve muscle tone, muscle strength and increase weight gain. Adapted strokes are taught for many conditions including babies with Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delay. The massage you learn on the course is of use not only in the early stages but in months and years ahead. The physiotherapist is a certified baby massage instructor and trained in special needs.

Mobility Equipment Assessment and Training

A variety of medical conditions can contribute to trouble with walking or standing. There are often issues with strength, posture, muscle tone, and balance.  Sometimes lower extremity bracing, also known as orthoses, can help support your child’s legs and feet so that standing and walking improve.

Some examples of these include:

  • Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO)

  • Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthoses (DAFO)

  • Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO)

Orthoses can be custom made or pre-fabricated. For custom orthoses, the therapist will take measurements and refer to orthotist for specific casting and to make the final product. When the orthosis is complete, the physical therapist will make sure it fits and meets your child’s needs.

Intensive Physiotherapy

Universal Exercise Unit (Coming soon)

Intense therapy aimed at children  with a neurological condition  who are discharged from acute care and waiting for the local community services . This service is for children receiveing little or no community support on discharge from a hospital or rehabilitation setting. This programme will support clients to maximise their independence and function at this time.

 

It is an intensive physiotherapy programme and involves:

 

  • A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment

  • Intensive one to one physiotherapy treatment to maximise function and independence

  • Provision of a home exercise programme

  • Guidance and education for individuals, family and carers

  • Advice on aids and appliances to enhance mobility and function

  • Safety assessment and exercise prescription for participation in leisure activities.

  • A detailed intervention report if applicable.

The UEU is a specialized piece of equipment that can be used in multiple ways to support your child in reaching their functional goals. One use is for strengthening your child’s muscles. The system of pulleys, straps and splints allow your child to perform a variety of exercises. The exercises are performed at low weight and high repetition for muscle strengthening, endurance, isolation, and motor control.

      A second use is for range of motion, both passive and active, to achieve and maintain unrestricted movement.The UEU utilizes a variety of support slings for prone and supine swinging to encourage head, neck and trunk control, as well as to provide vestibular input that is essential to movement. A second system using bungee cords and a belt provides dynamic support, which allows your child to perform functional skills and movements virtually ‘independent’ and frees up the clinician’s hands for facilitating movement. This allows the child a safe and secure environment to improve their balance and balance reactions

Gross motor skills use the large muscles of the body. Commonly used gross motor skills include actions such as: rolling, crawling, walking, jumping, riding a bike, and climbing stairs. Gross motor skills are essential to movement and participating in activities at school and at home. Physical therapy (PT) can help develop and improve these skills. We offer a variety of services, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and intensive therapy programs.A variety of diagnoses and conditions may affect a child’s gross motor skills including, but not limited to:

  • Premature birth

  • Neurological impairment

  • Developmental delay/delayed milestones

  • Developmental coordination disorder

  • Abnormal muscle tone

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