Physiotherapy provides services for children from birth to 19 years of age with a variety of conditions. We work closely with the child’s family, caregivers and other health care professionals to establish individualized therapy goals and treatment plans. Therapy may occur here at Pathways or in the child’s community such as their home, daycare or school environment. Physiotherapy aims to:
- Monitor and promote gross motor skill development (rolling, sitting, standing, walking etc)
- Foster independent mobility (crawling, walking, running, etc)
- Stretch tight muscles
- Improve posture
- Increase endurance
- Develop balance and co-ordination (for jumping, hopping, riding a bike, throwing and catching skills etc)
- Minimize/prevent unwanted movement patterns
- Rehabilitate function following surgical intervention
Physiotherapists may recommend or assist in the prescription of equipment such as:
- Splints for legs or feet
- Specialized chairs or modifications to commercial chairs
- Crutches
- Canes
- Walkers
- Standing frames
Our physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and management of a broad range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems.
Qualifications:
Physiotherapists:
University degree, B.SC. (P.T.) or M.P.T. - Must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
Therapist Assistants:
Postsecondary Diploma - All are under supervision of a Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist
Service Delivery
Parents and caregivers are important partners in all intervention approaches.
• individual therapy sessions (may be weekly or biweekly and may be in blocks of therapy)
• monitoring and parent consultation
• parent/caregiver training
• consultation
• home programming
Typical conditions seen by a pediatric physiotherapist:
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Other neurological conditions
• Acute injuries
• Global Developmental Delay
• Development Coordination Disorder
• Low/high muscle tone
• Torticollis (aka “wry neck”)
• Infants at Risk (prematurity, drug exposure, etc.)
Learn more here about indicators on whether your child may need Physiotherapy
Click below to view or print on Physiotherapy brochure:
