Developmental Pediatric Physiotherapy

What is Developmental Pediatric Physiotherapy?

Developmental pediatric physiotherapy is for children aged 0-3 years old. Physiotherapy for young children focuses on education, exercises, games, and myofascial release to help your child reach their movement potential in a safe and evidence based clinic.

Fascia is a tough, connective tissue that supports and surrounds every muscle, nerve, blood vessel, bone, and organ down to the cellular level in your body. Myofascial release is a safe and effective manual therapy technique which involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into the connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and/or restore motion. It is beneficial for:

Babies who experienced trauma in birth
Babies who don’t like any position or are difficult to soothe
Newborns with persisting asymmetrical shaping of the cranial bones
Babies and/or children with abnormal:
- Muscle tone
- Movement patterns
- Myofascial and joint related restrictions

When Should I Consult a Physiotherapist?

If your child is not tolerating the tummy time position

If you are concerned about your child not meeting a developmental milestone

If your child needs a transition exercise routine to strengthen an aspect of their core or to improve selective movement of a limb

If you are seeking ways to manage a flattening of the head (Plagiocephaly)

If your baby is having digestive issues

Colic or fussiness

Constipation issues

If you have breastfeeding concerns (tongue tied)

Bed wetting/incontinence

If you have concerns about asymmetrical development or movement patterns

How Can Donna Sarna Physiotherapy Help?

At Donna Sarna Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, an assessment involves looking at the alignment and movement of the infant or child. Range of motion of the extremities, neck and back are assessed to identify any restrictions in the fascia or muscles. Latch and tongue control is reviewed if there are breastfeeding issues.

An individualized treatment plan is developed based on assessment findings. Treatment is conducted through gentle touch and slow sustained holds into the fascia (connective tissue). The body naturally releases tension and appropriate alignment is restored. Some of the treatment techniques include cranialsacral therapy, myofascial release, and visceral manipulation. Home exercises are also included to perform with the child.