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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.

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

Severs- what it is, what is happening, how physio can help

What is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s Disease occurs when the C shaped growth plate at the back of your heel gets inflamed from stress from the achilles tendon. Growth plates are areas of cartilage located near the ends of the bones, and this is where bone growth occurs. Since it is the last part of a child’s bone to harden, growth plates are particularly vulnerable to injury. Adults don’t have open growth plates anymore, so this condition is found only in kids. Sever’s Disease is also 2-3 times more likely to occur in boys than girls, and it is associated with big growth spurts!

What my child may complain of?

  • No pain in the morning, but usually is worse with increased load during the day
  • Pain worsens with repetitive activities (example: running or jumping)
  • Tenderness on both the inside and outside of the heel
  • No swelling, redness or skin changes noted with this condition
  • Calf tightness

Things that may make Sever’s worse:

  • Worn out shoes
  • Hard surfaces
  • High amounts of physical activity
  • Big growth spurts
  • Back to activity after a long break

How can physio help?!

At Playworks Physio we specialize only in kiddos! We see kids with this type of heel pain VERY often, especially with the start of sports seasons. Your Physio will take a good look at what is happening and what might be causing it, and give lots of tools to help. Some things include stretching and strengthening activities, suggestions for activity modifications, shoe recommendations, and of course, this will all be FUN for your kiddo.

Our main goal is to help reduce your kiddos pain, solve the source of the issue to prevent it from returning, and improve their ability to participate in their activities again, pain free!

– Darrien Cantelo, Physiotherapist