All About Pediatric Physiotherapists

The goal of pediatric physiotherapists is to facilitate healthy growth and development in children. Their expertise ranges from treating newborns to adolescents, and they are experts in treating diseases that are likely to harm babies and children as they grow.

Therapies include massage, mobilization, stretching, therapeutic exercises, and postural instruction may be used. Because children are not small adults, therapists work with kids to help them develop physically by providing them with age-appropriate games and activities.

Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Physiotherapist Jobs In Canada

Who Needs Pediatric Physiotherapy?

Expertise in assessing, identifying, and diagnosing, as well as treating, developmental and motor issues in children is the domain of pediatric physiotherapists. Well-trained hands-on abilities are combined with a healthy dose of imagination and play to create tailor-made treatment plans for each of our clients. That being said, you might ask who needs pediatric physiotherapy.

• Children who were born with a disability, such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, a brain injury, muscular dystrophy, or another congenital syndrome or disease
• Children who are struggling to master fundamental motor skills like hopping, jumping, or throwing a ball
• Children with rheumatological and pain problems, such as arthritis, myositis, or chronic pain
• Children who have suffered an injury or trauma and are in need of rehabilitation to help them reach their full potential
• Cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia are just a few examples of chronic respiratory disorders that affect children.
  

These are the typical steps that take place during a child's physiotherapy session.

• A pediatric physiotherapist will evaluate the child's physical and mental growth through the use of keen observational skills, specialized tools, and well-planned hands-on evaluation procedures.
• A treatment plan will be constructed in partnership with the parent and kid that tries to address the child's issues and maximize their potential by identifying what they're doing well, what they're having trouble with, and why they're having trouble.
  

Job Responsibilities For Pediatric Physiotherapists

The job description for pediatric physiotherapy jobs may vary depending on the specific role and the setting in which the physiotherapist is working.

• Assessing and diagnosing children with developmental or physical disabilities: Pediatric physiotherapists evaluate children's abilities and limitations in movement, strength, and balance to identify any physical or developmental disabilities.
• Creating treatment plans: Based on the assessment, pediatric physiotherapists develop and implement individualized treatment plans for each child, incorporating therapeutic exercises, activities, and equipment to help children achieve their goals.
• Providing treatment: Pediatric physiotherapists provide hands-on therapy to children, including stretches, massages, and exercises to help children build strength, improve balance, and increase mobility.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals: Pediatric physiotherapists often work with other healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physicians to provide comprehensive care for children.
• Monitoring progress: Pediatric physiotherapists track children's progress, modify treatment plans as necessary, and communicate progress to parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Providing education: Pediatric physiotherapists educate parents, caregivers, and children about exercises and activities they can do at home to support progress and promote mobility.
• Adhering to ethical and professional standards: Pediatric physiotherapists must maintain ethical and professional standards, including maintaining patient confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and following guidelines and regulations set by their professional association and regulatory body.
  

Job Descriptions For Pediatric Physiotherapy jobs

If this is something you're interested in, there are many areas available to work in. See below for the titles and brief job descriptions.

Pediatric Physiotherapists are professionals in the field of physical therapy who focus on treating infants, adolescents, and teenagers.

Pediatric Rehabilitation Specialists evaluate a young person's level of independence and quality of life in light of their accident, sickness, or chronic condition and make any necessary adjustments in care.

Pediatric Physical Therapists help kids with cognitive difficulties gain, restore, and enhance their mobility.

Early Intervention Physiotherapists are the ones responsible for task-oriented training, allowing the child to reinforce and strengthen appropriate neural connections that will aid in the performance of meaningful activities of daily life.

Developmental Physiotherapists focus on fostering autonomy and the attainment of developmental milestones.

School-Based Physiotherapists help disabled children access special schooling opportunities. A child's mobility and independence in the classroom are the primary goals of physical therapy in the school setting.

Special Needs Physiotherapists work with adults with a learning impairment whose requirements cannot be effectively fulfilled by mainstream services, even with acceptable adjustments, and can get assessment, treatment, and management from physiotherapists who specialize in working with people who have disabilities.

Pediatric Neurological Physiotherapists provide care for kids under the age of 18 who are experiencing neurological or developmental issues.

Pediatric Sports Physiotherapists focus on children with sports injuries.

Clinical Educators in Pediatric Physiotherapy promote and assess the clinical and professional competence of physiotherapy students in their area of concentration; provide students with a learning experience in their area of concentration; and encourage and support student learning.

Pediatric Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapists provide aid in the removal of secretions from the lungs, prevent or improve collapsed portions of the lungs, and make breathing easier. Children suffering from long-term respiratory diseases like cystic fibrosis can benefit from this type of physiotherapy.

Pediatric Hand Therapy Specialists focus on the evaluation and care of a child's upper limbs as they develop over time.

Pediatric Physiotherapy Salary

In Canada, a physiotherapist can expect an annual compensation of $79,710, or $40.88 per hour. The starting salary for an entry-level employee is $72,194 per year, with the maximum salary for a highly experienced worker being $97,500.

However, at present, the average yearly wage for a pediatric physical therapist is $106,000 (75th percentile), with the highest 10 percent earning $135,000.

How To Become A Pediatric Physiotherapist

Obtaining the required education, licensure, and specialized certification is usually required to work as a pediatric physical therapist. To excel as a pediatric physical therapist, remember to do the following:

1. Complete your undergraduate degree.
2. Get your doctoral degree. 
3. Get an internship and a residency. 
4. Obtain your license.
5. Acquire a certification program in your area of expertise.
   

We hope this article gave you the information needed to decide whether becoming a pediatric physiotherapist might be right for you. If you are already a physiotherapist, make sure to sign up for a free Caring Support account and view all available jobs in your area!