Pediatric Physical Therapy in South Africa

• Pediatric physical therapists normally work with children to help them reach their potential in independently functioning.
• They involve the family in the child’s care so as to promote participation in school, community, and home activities.
• They apply clinical reasoning in diagnosing and treating your child.
• They promote the overall well being of your child through various support programs
• They consult with the family, medical, developmental and rehabilitation specialists
• They facilitate motor development and function to enable the child has functional independence
• They ease the challenges of daily caregiving
• They improve the strength and endurance of the child

Pediatric physical therapy deals with treatment issues about children. The doctors have special skills and training in how to communicate and interact with the young ones. Pediatric physical therapists incorporate knowledge from several disciplines such as orthopedic, neurological and developmental.

Children often do not understand why they need the physical therapy. Family involvement and trained pediatric physical therapists smooth out the process and make the healing process as fun and interactive as possible.

Pediatric physical therapy focuses on improving lower extremity function, core stability, and motor ability. Because every child is different, the pediatric physical therapists create tailored programs which are based on prior evaluation and practices based on evidence.

• Pediatric Neurosurgeon
• Pediatric Dentist
• Pediatric Plastic Surgeon
• Pediatric Neurologist
• Pediatric Ophthalmologist
• Pediatric Urologist
• Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• Genetic Counseling
• School Liaison Nutritionist
• Pediatric Speech Therapist
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Psychoeducational Specialist
• Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners
• Nursing and in home care
• Social and case workers
• Vocational Rehab Counselor

• Delayed development
• Genetic conditions
• Plagiocephaly and/or torticollis
• Balance and coordination disorders
• Sports injuries
• Lower extremity or post-trauma surgery
• Hip disorders such as hip dysplasia
• Neurological impairments related to conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, osteogenesis imperfecta

• Plyometrics: These are exercises which involve short and energetic movements that aim to increase speed and strength
• Kinesiotaping: This aims at reeducating the neuromuscular system, minimizing pain, reducing edema, prevention of injury, improvement of circulation and healing and optimizing performance.
• Theratog: This is a garment system which focuses on alignment guidance outside of typical therapy sessions gentle and progressive muscle support.

• Motor control and learning
• Electrical Stimulation
• Gait training
• Supported weight bearing
• Strengthening and neuromuscular re-education
• Aquatic therapy
• Manual therapy

The parents and family have an important role to play in their child’s growth and development. The pediatric physical therapist works with the family to implement a tailored program to help the child with their impairments. This includes:

• Adapting toys for playtime
• Developing daily activities and routines
• Using equipment effectively with the child
• Helping the child transition from early childhood to school