Understanding Paediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: A Guide for Parents

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Introduction

Urinary and bowel incontinence can be challenging for both kids and their caregivers. As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about what is considered “normal.” In this guide, we’ll shed light on typical bathroom behaviors based on age and explore how paediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a game-changer in addressing issues related to incontinence.

Normal Bathroom Frequencies:

Understanding typical bathroom habits for different age groups is crucial. 

  • By the age of 5, most kids achieve full bladder control with 4-7 pees a day.
  • Nighttime waking for bathroom visits should decrease by this age, and dry nights usually follow within six months of gaining daytime bladder control.
  • By 12 years old, children should average 4-6 pees per day
  • Regular bowel movements should occur daily to every other day, with stool looking like long squishy snakes.

Urgency in Kids:

Feeling the need to go “RIGHT NOW” is normal until around age 5 or when a child achieves bladder control. If urgency persists, it may indicate overactive bladder muscles or difficulties recognizing early signals from their body.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help:

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy tailored to children’s unique needs. At PlayWorks Physio, we focus on empowering kids to understand and control their bodies, ultimately restoring confidence in play.

Holistic Approach:

Our holistic approach addresses various factors contributing to incontinence, such as:

  • Muscle Dysfunction: Pelvic floor physiotherapy assesses and corrects weak or overactive pelvic floor muscles to restore control.
  • Posture and Alignment: We use engaging games to correct posture and alignment issues, promoting overall pelvic health.
  • Coordination and Control: Tailored techniques help children coordinate muscles involved in bladder control based on their developmental stage.
  • Behavior: For children with fears or challenges related to the toilet, we collaborate on problem-solving strategies for success.

Customized Treatment:

Treatment plans vary based on each child’s unique needs. Whether it’s working with neurodiverse children or addressing incontinence in elite teenage athletes, our team is dedicated to finding the best solutions for every situation. If your child is having pee or poop accidents outside of the ages listed above or if they are experiencing constipation, we can help. Also, if you have a child who experiences leaks throughout the day, especially with sports or higher impact activities, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help. To learn more about physiotherapy for kids, click here.

Conclusion:

At PlayWorks Physio, we believe in providing comprehensive support to help children overcome incontinence challenges. Our paediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to enhance the quality of life for kids, empowering them to embrace play with confidence. If you have concerns about leaks, urgency, or constipation, we’re here to help every step of the way. Click here to book a Pelvic Floor Initial Assessment.

Written By: Kate Heays

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Discover the Power of Rehabilitation Assistants at PlayWorks Physio!

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Discover the Power of Rehabilitation Assistants at PlayWorks Physio!

At PlayWorks Physio, we take pride in offering comprehensive care to our young patients. In our pursuit of excellence, our dedicated Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs) play a pivotal role in ensuring that every child receives the highest quality of care.

The PlayWorks Experience

At PlayWorks Physio, we take pride in offering a holistic approach to pediatric physiotherapy. Our Rehabilitation Assistants contribute significantly to this approach in several ways:

  • 1:1 Personalized Care: Our RAs provide individualized, one-on-one sessions, guaranteeing that your child’s unique needs are met with precision and dedication.
  • Bringing Fun into Therapy: With creativity and enthusiasm, our RAs implement the physiotherapist’s plan in ways that actively engage children, ensuring that therapy is a delightful and enjoyable experience.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Busy family life is a reality. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling, making it easier to find a convenient therapy time.
  • Community Outreach: Recognizing that therapy doesn’t always necessitate a clinic visit, our RAs work with children in the familiar and comfortable environment of their own homes and communities.
  • Pool Therapy Expertise: For those who find aquatic therapy beneficial, our RAs play a pivotal role. They assist physiotherapists during pool therapy sessions, helping children build water confidence, strength, and work toward their physiotherapy goals.
  • Biking and Playground Skills: We go beyond traditional therapy by supporting children in acquiring vital life skills like biking and mastering the playground. This promotes independence and self-assurance.

How to Get Started

If you believe your child could benefit from the support of a Rehabilitation Assistant, and are already a patient, we encourage you to discuss this option with your physiotherapist. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you decide if working with an RA is the right choice for your child’s unique needs. If you are not a current patient, please book an Initial Assessment with one of our physiotherapists, prior to working with a Rehab Assistant.

Once you’ve decided to work with a Rehabilitation Assistant, we’ll be delighted to assist you in scheduling your sessions. Our team will ensure that you and your child have a personalized and rewarding experience during your time with PlayWorks Physio.

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Play and Thrive: How Paediatric Physiotherapy at PlayWorks Physio Makes Healing Fun!

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Welcome to PlayWorks Physio, where we know that play is the key to unlocking a child’s full potential! Our paediatric physiotherapy services are all about making therapy sessions fun, engaging, and effective. Say goodbye to boring exercises, because at PlayWorks Physio, we believe that play truly works wonders! So, let’s dive in and explore how our approach to paediatric physiotherapy is different from traditional adult physiotherapy.

Play, Play, Play – It’s How We Roll!

At PlayWorks Physio, we’ve got a secret trick for helping kids heal – play! Our physiotherapists are experts in incorporating play into therapy sessions to make them enjoyable and motivating for kids. We use games, activities, and creative exercises that are tailored to each child’s age, interests, and developmental stage. From building obstacle courses to playing with balls and bubbles, our therapy sessions are like playdates where kids can have a blast while improving their motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination.

Childhood Adventures: From Crawling to Conquering!

At PlayWorks Physio, we understand that every child’s journey is unique. Our paediatric physiotherapy services are designed to address the specific developmental stages and milestones that kids go through, from crawling to conquering new physical challenges. We work closely with parents and caregivers to create a customized treatment plan that takes into consideration their child’s growth, development, and goals. Whether it’s helping a baby learn to crawl, a toddler walk, or a young athlete recover from an injury, our physiotherapists are there to provide expert care and guidance every step of the way.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: We’re In This Together!

At PlayWorks Physio, we believe that teamwork makes the dream work! We work closely with parents and caregivers to create a collaborative and family-centered approach to therapy. We provide education, support, and resources to empower parents and caregivers to actively participate in their child’s therapy at home and in their daily activities. We’re all about building a strong partnership with families to ensure that kids receive the best care possible.

Expert Fun-Makers: Our Physiotherapists Rock!

Our physiotherapists at PlayWorks Physio are not only experts in child development and behaviour, but they’re also expert fun-makers! They know how to engage kids, create a positive environment, and turn therapy sessions into enjoyable adventures. Our physiotherapists have a bag of tricks that includes creative exercises, playful activities, and lots of high-fives to keep kids motivated and excited about their therapy journey. We’re not your typical boring therapy sessions – we’re all about having fun while achieving therapy goals!

So, if you’re looking for a paediatric physiotherapy clinic that knows how to make healing fun, PlayWorks Physio is the place to be! Our play-based approach, child-centered care, family-centered approach, and expert fun-makers are what set us apart. CLICK HERE to join our team and embark on a play-filled adventure towards your child’s optimal physical development and well-being. Let’s play and thrive together!

 

#PlayWorksPhysio #PlayAndThrive #ChildhoodAdventures #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #ExpertFunMakers #PhysiotherapyForKids #PlayTherapyApproach #ChildHealth #FamilyCenteredCare #PaediatricPhysiotherapy #BecausePlayWorks

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Common Injuries in Youth Baseball Players: How Physiotherapy Can Help

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Baseball is a popular sport for many children and teenagers, and while it can be a fun and rewarding activity, it also poses certain risks for injuries. As a paediatric physiotherapy clinic, PlayWorks Physio sees a lot of young baseball players with various injuries. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common injuries in youth baseball players and how physiotherapy can help.

  1. Shoulder injuries

    Shoulder injuries are quite common in young baseball players, especially pitchers. These injuries can be caused by repetitive overhead throwing, which puts a lot of stress on the shoulder joint. Some of the most common shoulder injuries in baseball players include rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and biceps tendonitis.

  2. Elbow injuries

    Elbow injuries are also common in youth baseball players, especially pitchers. Overuse of the elbow joint can cause pain and inflammation, which can eventually lead to more serious conditions such as Little League elbow or ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries.

  3. Knee injuries

    While not as common as shoulder and elbow injuries, knee injuries are still a risk in youth baseball players. These injuries can be caused by running and sliding on the field. Common knee injuries in baseball players include patellar tendonitis and meniscus tears.

How physiotherapy can help

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for youth baseball players with injuries. A physiotherapist can assess the injury, provide a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan that may include a combination of exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or laser therapy. The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility and flexibility, and strengthen the affected area to prevent future injuries.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for young baseball players with shoulder injuries. The study found that a physiotherapy program consisting of exercises, manual therapy, and modalities was effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion in young baseball players with rotator cuff injuries.

Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that a physiotherapy program consisting of exercises and manual therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in young baseball players with UCL injuries.

In conclusion, injuries are a common risk in youth baseball players, especially those who pitch. Shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries are the most common types of injuries seen in young baseball players. Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for these injuries, helping young players reduce pain, improve mobility and flexibility, and prevent future injuries. If your child is a young baseball player who has been injured or if you want to focus on injury prevention, PlayWorks Physio can help! Click here to schedule an assessment.

 

Written by: Maegan Mak

References:

  1. Frangiamore SJ, Lynch TS, Vaughn MD, et al. Physical therapy treatment of adolescent baseball players with symptomatic rotator cuff injury. J Pediatr Orthop. 2016;36(8):814-820. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000000559.
  2. Wilk KE, Reinold MM, Dugas JR, et al. Current concepts in the recognition and treatment of superior labral (SLAP) lesions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2005;35(5):273-291. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2005.35.5.273.

 

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Physiotherapy for Young Athletes: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment and Recovery

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What Is Paediatric Physiotherapy?

Welcome to PlayWorks Physio, a paediatric physiotherapy clinic dedicated to helping children reach their full physical potential. We understand that every child is unique and has their own set of physical challenges, which is why we offer specialized physiotherapy services tailored to meet each child’s individual needs. Our services are not limited to children with developmental delays or movement disorders, but also extend to young athletes who may have suffered sports-related injuries.

 

How Paediatric Physiotherapists Can Help

The role of a paediatric physiotherapist is to work closely with children and their families to identify any physical challenges that may be affecting their quality of life. These challenges can include developmental delays, muscular and skeletal disorders, neurological conditions, injuries, concussions and sports-related injuries. Once identified, the physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan designed to help the child improve their physical function and mobility.

 

Physiotherapy for Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common among young athletes and can range from minor sprains to more severe injuries such as ligament tears or fractures. A paediatric physiotherapist with expertise in sports injuries can help athletes recover from their injuries and return to their sport as quickly and safely as possible. Some of the key areas that a paediatric physiotherapist can help with include:

  1. Injury assessment: The physiotherapist will evaluate the extent of the athlete’s injury, determine the underlying cause, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
  2. Pain management: Pain can be a major barrier to recovery. The physiotherapist will work with the athlete to manage pain through various techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and exercise.
  3. Rehabilitation exercises: The physiotherapist will develop a rehabilitation plan that includes exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These exercises will be tailored to the athlete’s specific injury and level of fitness.
  4. Return to sport planning: Returning to sport too soon can increase the risk of re-injury. The physiotherapist will develop a plan for safely returning the athlete to their sport, which may include a gradual increase in activity and sport-specific training.

 

At PlayWorks Physio, we have a team of experienced and highly trained paediatric physiotherapists who are experts in youth sports injuries and pain. Our goal is to provide young athletes with the highest quality care and support to help them recover from their injuries and get back to doing what they love. We also offer injury prevention programs designed to help young athletes reduce their risk of injury and stay healthy.

If your child has suffered a sports-related injury or is experiencing pain, we encourage you to schedule an assessment. Our team of physiotherapists will work with you and your child to develop a personalized treatment plan that will help them recover and return to their sport as safely and quickly as possible.

 

Written by: Maegan Mak, Physiotherapist

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