All You Need to Know About Pediatric Physiotherapy: Types, Treatment and Condition

Published on: 25th May 2022
Medically reviewed by: General Practitioner at First Response Healthcare

Pediatric physiotherapy can help children below the age of 18 years with optimal physical development and can help with rehabilitation in musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory disorders. Types of pediatric physiotherapy treatment techniques include management of perinatal conditions, conditions or injuries in early childhood, and issues during teenage years. Pediatric physiotherapists are trained and experienced in factors related to movement and development that affect children. Right from new born babies to adolescents, pediatric physiotherapists can help with management of perinatal conditions, conditions or injuries in early childhood and during teenage years. In this blog, we will understand what is pediatric physiotherapy and how it can benefit children at different stages of development.

Pediatric physiotherapy conditions helps with disorders that cause movement dysfunction and motor skill issues. Some of the common disorders that pediatric physiotherapy can help with include the following:

Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Autism
Muscular Dystrophy
Spina Bifida
Cystic Fibrosis
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthrogryposis
Cardio-PulmonaryDisorders
Traumatic Brain Injury

Over and above this, pediatric physiotherapy treatment techniques can also help with orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis, sports injuries, back pain, fractures, and orthopedic surgeries. Pediatric physiotherapy is also useful for children who show symptoms of hypotonia and developmental coordination disorder without a formal diagnosis.

Types of Pediatric Physiotherapy and Their Corresponding Conditions

1. Neurological Pediatric Physiotherapy:

Neurological Pediatric Physiotherapy is associated with neurological conditions and disorders that affect a child’s mobility, muscle strength, movements or balance, and can have an overall impact on the child’s growth and development. Neurological problems include Congenital disorders such as cerebral palsy, developmental disorders such as ataxia and dyspraxia, head injuries, cancers of the brain and spinal cord, diseases of the spinal cord, along with peripheral nerve injuries and learning difficulties. Through Neurological Pediatric Physiotherapy, it is possible to enhance the child’s capability and to optimize their physical development to achieve developmental goals such as walking, crawling or running.

2. Respiratory Pediatric Physiotherapy:

Respiratory conditions affect the respiratory system of children and affect their nose, throat, windpipe or lungs. The different conditions that Respiratory Pediatric Physiotherapy can help with include asthma, bronchitis, chest infections, Cough, Shortness of Breath, cystic fibrosis. Sometimes when babies are born premature, their lungs are not fully developed and this could also lead to respiratory system related complications. In such cases and conditions, Respiratory Pediatric physiotherapy can help with secretion management and maintaining clear airways. Over and above this, the physiotherapist can help by suggesting positioning techniques that can improve breathing control. The physiotherapist also teaches breathing exercises for shortness of breath, and uses techniques such as percussion or vibrations for clearance of lungs. Through fun and play, the physiotherapist will also teach the children inhaler techniques and can tell parents how to recognize signs and symptoms of respiratory diseases in children.

3. Developmental Pediatric Physiotherapy:

When a child is unable to achieve certain specific developmental goals or milestones such as sitting, walking, crawling, etc, the child is known to have development conditions. Because of the lack of required development, the child may also have coordination problems, could be clumsy leading to frequent falls or accidents or have poor handwriting. Pediatric physiotherapy treatment techniques can help improve all of these conditions and improve the child’s day to day functioning. Physiotherapy will help the child become more independent and will help improve the child’s posture, muscle strength, balance, coordination and the child’s level of confidence and independence in day to day tasks.

4. Learning Difficulties Pediatric Physiotherapy:

Learning difficulties are related to challenges the child faces in his/her ability to learn new things, to understand or process information or to communicate effectively. Learning difficulties can be because of conditions such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Asperger’s Syndrome and Epilepsy. Through pediatric physiotherapy, it is possible to help improve the cognitive and functional abilities of the child. The physiotherapist will use functional activity exercises, postural exercises, education movement techniques, hydrotherapy to improve the functional abilities of the child and to improve their quality of life. To put in simple terms- What is pediatric physiotherapy? It is a specialized therapy designed to assist children with various developmental and functional challenges.

5. Musculoskeletal Pediatric Physiotherapy:

Musculoskeletal conditions are to do with the child’s bones, joints and muscles and they can cause damage to the same. Musculoskeletal problems can occur as a result of a child injuring oneself or because of growth of the child that can cause pain in the different body parts, or sometimes a child is born with a Musculoskeletal condition. These pediatric conditions in physiotherapy can be painful and can restrict the child’s ability to function and lead to disruption of their regular activities and routine. Through paediatric msk physiotherapy, it is possible to manage and decrease the pain. The role of Physiotherapy in Pediatrics also includes speeding up recovery, ensuring that the child can perform everyday tasks with ease.

How Pediatric Physiotherapy Works and Its Role in Treating Children

The goal of physiotherapy is to improve flexibility, posture, strength, balance, skills and coordination of a child. A physiotherapist will use a variety of techniques such as massage, muscle stretching, joint mobilization and manipulation, various therapeutic exercises and dry needling to help improve the strength and range of motion for the child. Physiotherapists incorporate fun and play in their session and engage children through age-appropriate pediatric physiotherapy activities and exercises that don’t just help them but also keep them entertained and motivated. Common paediatric conditions physiotherapy focuses on integrating treatment with play and learning. Physiotherapists collaborate with family members, teachers, doctors and caregivers to help the child in as many ways as possible whether it’s at school, home or in their neighborhood. Physiotherapists also teach parents and kids on how to use and correctly handle equipment such as standing frames, pushers and mobility aids.

At the first appointment, the role of physiotherapy in pediatrics is to assess your child’s movement, functionality, strength and motor skills. He/She will use a variety of techniques to gauge your child’s motor and overall development. After having understood your child’s needs, the physiotherapist will create a customized plan as per paediatric physiotherapy guidelines that will work best for your child, encompassing different types of pediatric physiotherapy treatment techniques. This would include a combination of massage therapy, therapeutic exercises, muscle stretching, joint mobilization, etc based on your child’s condition. Before the physiotherapist proceeds with the therapy sessions, you should ask the physiotherapist any questions that you might have regarding the therapies or treatment process. Any concerns that you might have regarding common paediatric conditions physiotherapy should be discussed without hesitation to make sure that you and the physiotherapist are on the same page about what’s best for your child.

Pediatric Physiotherapy Services at Home in Dubai | First Response Healthcare

First Response Healthcare (FRH) is a leading home healthcare company that provides a range of healthcare services in the comfort of your own home. FRH also provides specialized service of home physiotherapy in Dubai, which includes pediatric physiotherapy at home. Through the ‘Physiotherapy on Call’ service, FRH can visit your home, hotel or office to provide physiotherapy services at a time that suits you best. All services of FRH are available 24*7, even on weekends and public holidays. For its high quality services that match international requirements and standards, FRH has received the Gold Seal of Approval by Joint Commission International Standards for Home Healthcare.

Moreover, our Physiotherapy team comprises highly trained, experienced, qualified physiotherapists who have commendable clinical experience follow the paediatric physiotherapy guidelines and are licensed by the Dubai Health Authority for pediatric conditions in physiotherapy.

Advantages of Pediatric Physiotherapy Treatment at Home in Dubai

Following are the reasons for why you should go for pediatric physiotherapy at home:

Cost Effective –Physiotherapy at home is cheaper because you save the travel costs involved in traveling between your home and the physiotherapy center or hospital for frequent sessions. For your child’s frequent appointments, you no longer need to spend on cabs or on fuel.
Saves Time – You can save a lot of time if you opt for homecare physiotherapy since you do not have to commute through the traffic or wait in queues at the physiotherapy center. In home care physiotherapy, the physiotherapist shows up right at your doorstep at a time chosen by you.
Allows For Supervision – While your child undertakes physiotherapy sessions, you may feel nervous and anxious and would want to stay around for the same. Choosing physiotherapy at home can help you be present and supervise the progress that your child is making. You can keep track of his/her treatment process and can ensure that they are getting the best treatment possible.
Following Pediatric Physiotherapy Conditions:

Cerebral Palsy
Delayed milestone
Tip toeing
Club foot
Erb’s palsy

Why Should You Get Pediatric Physiotherapy Treatment in Dubai From FRH:

Flexible Appointments: We adapt to your schedule, and you can book an appointment with us 24*7, even on weekends and public holidays.
Fastest Delivery of Services: We can reach your home, hotel or office within 30* minutes after you book an appointment.
We come to you, anywhere: Our services are available throughout the Emirate of Dubai, and we can ca cme visit you at a location of your choice.
Place of Your Convenience: We can visit you anywhere at your home, office, hotel to offer our services.
One-on-One Attention: We take the time to understand your needs and make sure that we offer a treatment plan that works best for your child.
We always keep you in loop: We make sure to keep you updated with Regular Progress Reports of your child and keep you informed about how we are progressing with the treatment.

According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing pediatric physiotherapy conditions like spina bifida, congenital torticollis, and cerebral palsy in pediatric patients. It not only helps correct physical issues through strengthening and stretching exercises but also supports overall development, fostering independence and confidence in children. The integration of advanced techniques has further enhanced the effectiveness and engagement of pediatric physiotherapy, making it a vital part of a child’s healthcare.

To avail services of pediatric physiotherapy treatment in Dubai, all you need to do is call on 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book an appointment online by visiting Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What Conditions Are Treated by Pediatric Physiotherapy?

Pediatric physiotherapy treats diseases such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, muscular dystrophy, etc and also with sports injuries, assisting children in improving movement and strength.

Q. Who Needs Pediatric Physiotherapy?

Children with physical impairments, developmental delays, or who are recovering from operations or traumas may benefit from pediatric physiotherapy to improve mobility and function.

Q. Why Do Children Need Physiotherapy?

Children require physiotherapy to develop motor skills, increase strength, and overcome physical problems, allowing them to attain their full potential.

Q. What is Physiotherapy for Kids Called?

Physiotherapy for children, often known as pediatric physiotherapy, focusses on the specific needs of growing children and adolescents.

Q. What Are the Benefits of Physiotherapy for Babies?

Physiotherapy for babies helps with motor development, improves muscle tone, and addresses any physical delays, supporting healthy growth and movement.

References and Citations:

A Brief Overview of Recent Pediatric Physical Therapy Practices and Their Importance