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What is Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists assess posture, range of motion, strength and movement skills like rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, walking and running. They also recommend, prescribe equipment and offer supports to increase strength, stretch muscles, gain endurance, and improve movement, balance, coordination and fitness.

Who Are We: 

Physiotherapists: University degree, B.SC. (P.T.) or M.P.T. – Must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

Therapist Assistants: Post secondary Diploma – All are under supervision of a Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist

Who we serve:

  • Children and youth living in Sarnia Lambton with a physical or developmental delay / disability requiring physiotherapy to improve gross motor function

Services We Do Not Provide:

  • Children with orthopaedic concerns that do not have a concurrent physical or developmental delay or disability
    • Flat feet, scoliosis, acute orthopaedic injuries (ie. Sprains, fractures, soft tissue injuries)
    • Developmental orthopedic concerns that may be age appropriate: out-toeing, in-toeing, bilateral genu varum (bow legs), bilateral genu valgum (knock knees)
    • Toe walking less than 50% of the time
    • Not walking before the age of 18 months
Go To School Based Rehabilitation Services >

What to Expect:

  • Assessment and intervention to monitor and promote gross motor skill development
  • Consulting with parents, teachers and other caregivers involved with the child/youth
  • Prescription of adaptive equipment such as:
    • Splints for legs or feet
    • Specialized chairs or modifications to commercial chairs
    • Crutches
    • Canes
    • Walkers
    • Standing frames

Available Services:

  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Parent/Caregiver training
  • Consultation
  • Exercise programming

Assessment:

Prior to beginning any course of treatment, a PT will assess movement skills and areas of concern, and will work closely with the child’s family and other health care professionals to develop individualized therapy goals and treatment plans.

Intervention:

Intervention strategies may relate to the development of:

  • Fostering independent mobility and gross motor developmental milestones
  • Stretching tight muscles
  • Improving posture
  • Increasing endurance
  • Developing balance and co-ordination
  • Minimizing/preventing unwanted movement patterns
  • Rehabilitation of function following surgical intervention

Your infant or child should be assessed by a Physiotherapist if they do not meet some of the following milestones:

Your Infant (0-1 yr) should:

  • follow a moving object or person with eyes by 3 months
  • support head well by 3 months
  • wiggle or kick with arms and legs by 3 months
  • seems stiff nor floppy
  • one side of body not moving similar to the other side
  • pull up to sitting with hands grasped by 6 months
  • roll over in both directions by 6 months
  • take weight through legs when held in standing by 6 months
  • sit without support by 12 months
  • crawl or move forwards on their own by 12 months
  • pull self to standing or take steps while holding hands or furniture by 12 months.

Your Toddler (1-3 yrs) should:

  • walk independently by 18 months
  • walk up stairs with assistance by 18 months
  • bend over and pick up toy without falling by 24 months
  • take steps backwards by 24 months
  • be able to kick a ball by 24 months
  • have no difficulty climbing onto and down from furniture without help by 24 months
  • throw or attempt to catch a ball by 3 years old
  • run with good coordination by 3 years old
  • be able to jump with both feet by 3 years old
  • stand on one foot by 3 years old

Your Preschooler (4-6 yrs) should:

  • be able to run with good coordination around obstacles, stopping and starting quickly by age 4
  • balance and hop on one foot by age 4
  • ride a tricycle without help by age 4
  • jump straight up, forwards and to the side by age 5
  • climb and swing by age 5
  • be able to skip or jump rope by age

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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How To Refer:

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PHONE PATHWAYS

519-542-3471
or 1-855-542-3471

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