Paediatric physiotherapy – support for a growing body's functional capacity and mobility

Children develop at different rates. Therefore, differences in mobility are common and it is not worth comparing the child too much to their friends.

However, it may be a good idea to study the situation with a specialist if the development of the child's mobility or functional capacity is delayed or the child has other difficulties with movement.

Perhaps the child's movement is clearly different from their peers or they have challenges related to misalignments. Perhaps the situation is caused by unvaried and abundant physical activity or the lack of exercise due to spending too much looking at screens.

Physiotherapy can also be part of the child's medical rehabilitation, for example, in the treatment of cerebral palsy or a muscle disease.

Paediatric physiotherapy is useful, for example, in these situations: 

• neck and back pain 
• lower limb problems 
• after an injury or surgery 
• various sports injuries, illnesses and syndromes  
• misalignments 
• poor posture 
• stress injuries 
• developmental delay 
• asymmetry in movement or the body 
• clumsiness 

A paediatric physiotherapist can help all growing children and adolescents, for example, in these situations:

• In infancy, problems can be related to, for example, a slanted position of the head or focusing the gaze only on one side.
• A toddler may have a developmental delay in learning to walk or walking may be awkward.
• A preschooler may not be able to keep up with their peers when running or moving otherwise.
• Schoolchildren may experience stress injuries or exercise too little.

When your child has challenges with mobility, there is no need to be alone. Book an appointment with a paediatric physiotherapist.

Paediatric physiotherapists always interact with the child as an individual. The treatment is based on the age of the child and their preferences, wishes and needs.

Here is how paediatric physiotherapy proceeds:

1. Discussion and familiarisation. In order for the treatment to be successful, a functional relationship between the physiotherapist and the child must be established. In the first appointment, time is spent getting to know and going through the child's situation together with the parent and the child – taking into account the child's age.  
2. Examination. The physiotherapist examines the child's ailment according to their age. In most cases, the physiotherapist applies methods that involve play and observes the child's activities. The treatment plan is prepared in cooperation with the parents.  
3. Exercises and care. Various exercises are usually done as a sort of play. The child does not have to worry about their abilities. Instead, the physiotherapist plans the exercises according to the child’s preferences. If necessary, the physiotherapist will also guide you in the procurement of aids.  
4. Self-training. The most important part of care takes place in the child's everyday life. The physiotherapist gives the parents advice on how to support the child's rehabilitation at home. The exercises take into account the child's own preferences and suitable means of motivation.  
5. Follow-up. In most cases, paediatric physiotherapy is provided as treatment periods. The child's rehabilitation is monitored at follow-up appointments. In the case of medical rehabilitation, the treatment relationship can continue for a long time.

If you are worried about the development of your baby or toddler, such as mobility or interaction, you can get help from the Mehiläinen Motor Development Clinic.

At the Motor Development Clinic, the situation of the child is always assessed by a physiotherapist who specialises in paediatric physiotherapy. If necessary, they consult other specialists, such as occupational therapists.

The physiotherapists of the Motor Development Clinic also cooperate with paediatricians and other professionals caring for the child.

You can visit the Motor Development Clinic without a doctor's referral. If necessary, you will receive a written statement from the appointment.

Please contact our customer service on +358 (0)10 414 00 for more information about our therapists with whom you can book an appointment at the Motor Development Clinic.  

At Mehiläinen, paediatric physiotherapy is always carried out by physiotherapists who have received special training in paediatric physiotherapy. Many of them have acquired additional knowledge of certain diseases or methods.

Our physiotherapists carry out the medical rehabilitation of children as part of the treatment of various diseases. They cooperate with the rehabilitation team and other professionals working at Mehiläinen.

Learn more about the expertise of our paediatric physiotherapists in the specialist descriptions.

You can come book a physiotherapy appointment with your child directly without a referral. Study our price list and flexible payment methods that allow you to take care of your child’s well-being even in unexpected situations.

If the child is an insurance customer, please check the need for a referral with your insurance company. If the child is receiving physiotherapy services with a promissory note, please check the policies with the referring party or our customer service on +358 (0)10 414 00.

See how to seek Kela's intensive medical rehabilitation through our physiotherapy services here.

The specialist in this article was our paediatric physiotherapist Laura Einistö.