Growing Pains

What are Growing Pains? Aches and pains in children can be classified as growing pains if they fit into the following criteria: Intermittent pain- not there all the time  Typically around the shin, back of the knee or calf  Some painfree days and nights Onset of pain typically late afternoon/ evening  Typically occurring in both legs…

Why Do Little Humans have Different Injuries to Adults?

The bodies of children and adolescents are constantly changing during growth. This can include changes to the hormonal, anatomical and musculoskeletal systems. Growth affects multiple areas of the musculoskeletal system. These include: Muscles: During a growth spurt a child’s bones lengthen before their muscles. This can affect muscle flexibility and strength. Unfortunately, larger limbs require…

Crawling

When Should Your Baby Crawl?  Crawling typically occurs around 9 months of age and is the first sign that your baby is trying to move independently. Babies initially transfer from sitting to creeping on their tummies and then from sitting into a four point kneeling position. Babies need to have good head, neck, shoulder and…

Growth Related Disorders- Part 1 The Foot

Introduction During growth and development children experience change hormonally, cognitively, biologically and physically. This change is rapid and requires the body to adapt and reorganise its response to stimuli. Musculoskeletally, this can result in children experiencing unique conditions during their transition into adulthood. Below is a brief summary of conditions affecting the adolescent foot. Sever’s…

What Is Paediatric Physiotherapy?

Introduction Paediatric physiotherapy is concerned with the development and health of infants, children and adolescents. It focuses on the reduction of pain and achievement of gross motor milestones in order to aid function and development throughout growth. Paediatric physiotherapy may be potentially required for the following children:  Those diagnosed with neurological disorders such as Cerebral palsy,…

Is Your Child Clumsy ?

Developmental Coordination Disorder Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a disorder that affects a child’s ability to learn and perform age appropriate gross and fine motor skills. DCD occurs in approximately 5-6% of children but is more common in males than females. A child with DCD will appear clumsy or awkward when performing simple motor tasks such…