About Us
The Paediatric Division is a special interest group within the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Our membership consists of clinicians from all practice settings, students, educators, researchers, physiotherapy assistants and administrators all of whom have a passion for promoting participation and enhancing the lives of children and their families. We are dedicated to provide resources and information for paediatric patients and their families to promote participation and function independence in all aspects of life.
What is a paediatric physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists are registered primary healthcare professionals who work with clients to assess, improve and promote physical function. Paediatric physiotherapists employ clinical expertise in the early detection of health problems, treatment, education and management of congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal, cardiorespiratory or acquired disorders/diseases.
Paediatric physiotherapists work with children of all ages, from infants through young adulthood to promote participation and functional independence. Paediatric physiotherapists have a unique role in that they not only work with the child, but also their families in the context of their daily home, school and recreational environment.
Paediatric physiotherapists are able to provide treatment in a variety of settings including home, school, in-hospital, out-patient clinics, and rehabilitation centres.
How can a paediatric physiotherapist help?
Assessment and Diagnosis: Paediatric physiotherapists use validated outcome measures to assess level of strength, flexibility, gross-, and fine-motor coordination and overall functional capabilities to determine participation limitations or restrictions as a result of injury, disease or disability.
Treatment Interventions: Through analysis of objective assessment findings, the paediatric physiotherapist uses evidence-based treatment interventions specifically tailored to the client and their family’s goals.
Treatment interventions focus on improving gross and fine motor skills, balance and coordination, strength and endurance, as well as cognitive and sensory processing/integration. All treatment interventions focus on strengthening the patient’s participation and function in natural learning environments such as the home, community and school which allows for motor learning and skill development in with family and peers.
