Paediatric musculoskeletal physiotherapy focuses on the assessment of paediatric orthopaedic conditions for children aged 0-16 years, including:
- Fractures
- Pre and post surgery rehabilitation
- Growth-related conditions - e.g. Osgood-Schlatters Disease, Severs Disease
- Sports injuries
- General muscle and joint aches and pains
- Torticollis
- Gait abnormalities
- Symptomatic hypermobility
- Rheumatology conditions
- Neuromuscular disorders
The work closely with the childrens therapy team including the podiatrist and can refer onto orthopaedics, specialist children services: Evelina, Orthopaedic Paediatrics and Community Paediatrics
Link for the role of a physiotherapist: https://www.csp.org.uk/careers-jobs/what-physiotherapy
The initial appointment - carried out by a qualified physiotherapist. This is usually 20 mins but may be 60 mins if multiple joints are affected or a back assessment is required. A case history will be taken and a range of assessments carried out with your child and you in the session. Assessment of the condition will be conducted taking into consideration the effect of this on their schooling and ability to participate in sports. In order to undertake a thorough assessment, patients may be asked to undress but please try to wear appropriate clothing e.g. shorts or a vest top.
Therapy intervention - carried out by our specialist team including physiotherapy technicians. This includes visits to school to demonstrate exercise programmes, a block of classes to target particular areas and 1:1 exercises.
Treatment may include:
- Advice: posture, pacing, activity modification, tissue healing.
- Exercises to improve strength, balance and muscle length.
- Massage and joint mobilisation
- Pain management advice
- Taping
- Acupuncture for pain management
How?
All referral forms should be completed and forwarded to medch.orchards@nhs.net. All patients must be accompanied by an adult with parental responsibility for their first assessment.