The Role Of The Physical Therapy (PT) In Special Needs

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What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy, another name for physiotherapy, is a component of rehabilitation. This therapy involves exercising and manipulating the body, focusing on the back, upper arms, and legs. It aims to improve joint and muscle function, helping people better stand, balance, walk, and climb stairs. It can be provided as first line treatment or as an adjuvant with drugs or surgeries. 

Other than that, physical therapists assess the following areas:

  • Postural control
  • Balance
  • Muscle strength and tone
  • Motor control and coordination
  • Endurance
  • Functional mobility and accessibility 
  • Gross motor skills

Before Starting Physical Therapy

Physical therapists will use an individual’s history, physical examination, lab results, and imaging studies to diagnose and create a management plan for the patient.

Typically, physical therapists cannot prescribe painkillers, except in the UK, where physical therapists are given prescribing rights when working with the written authority of a doctor.

What Typically Goes On During Therapy Sessions?

  • Range-of-motion exercises
  • Muscle-strengthening exercises
  • Coordination and balance exercises
  • Ambulation (walking) exercises
  • General conditioning exercises
  • Transfer training
  • Use of a tilt table

How Does It Help Special Needs?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): 

Some ASD children may have difficulty moving due to low muscle tone or developmental coordination problems. Hence, the intervention of physiotherapy can address their gross motor problems such as clumsy, uncoordinated gait or difficulty in playing sports.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The goal of physiotherapy is to maximise their functional ability and develop their motor skills. Their cognitive and behavioral impairment can be helped by physical techniques, such as relaxation techniques, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, breathing exercises, and play therapy.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Physiotherapy aims to facilitate patients with CP to address overall physical impairment and then achieve physical independence and fitness levels, resulting in improving their life quality. Their training involves upper limb therapy, cardiorespiratory training programs, bodyweight-supported treadmill training and so on.

Down Syndrome

Its goal is to help the children develop basic motor skills, such as walking, balancing, and jumping in order to improve their cardiopulmonary capacity, muscle strength, and weight control. Therapy includes infant massage, aerobic training, full-body vibration, and so on.

The Next Step

Always make sure your child is following the rules their therapist gave them to make sure that they improve as quickly and safely as possible. Celebrate small goals and milestones and find peace knowing that there is no straight path to the finish line – there will be setbacks and accomplishments until you find a combination of therapies that works for your child, but you are not alone. The school, friends and family, and Dawn Bridge are here to help you. 

References:

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Dawn Bridge
Dawn Bridge