Specialist Paediatric Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in Lancashire

At Ribble Valley Children's Physiotherapy, we understand that children are just as susceptible to musculoskeletal (MSK) issues as adults are. Occasionally, the root cause of discomfort or pain in adulthood may be linked to injuries or problems that arose during childhood. That's why early diagnosis and appropriate management of MSK problems in children are crucial for fully optimising their overall health and well-being.

Children's Physiotherapist for Musculoskeletal Care

MSK problems in children can have various causes. They may result from accidents or trauma, but they can also be related to the natural growth and development process. As children grow their bones, muscles, and joints undergo significant changes, and sometimes these changes can lead to issues that require specialised care, which Ribble Valley Children’s Physiotherapy can offer.

Tailored Care for Children's Health

Our compassionate team of paediatric physiotherapists assess and treat several musculoskeletal problems in children of all ages. We understand that caring for children with such issues requires a specialised and personal approach.

Children and adults differ significantly from a musculoskeletal perspective due to the ongoing growth and development that children experience. Children's bones, joints, and muscles are still maturing, and their skeletal structures are more flexible and adaptable than those of adults. The growth plates in children's bones are open, allowing for longitudinal bone growth and, as a result, children are more prone to injuries.

On the other hand, children's musculoskeletal systems are more responsive to physical activity and rehabilitation, allowing for greater potential for recovery and adaptation. However, consideration must be taken of the fact that the paediatric musculoskeletal system is also more vulnerable to deformities and developmental issues, making it especially important that your child see a specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist.

Paediatric Musculoskeletal Experts

Our paediatric physiotherapists possess specialised knowledge in child development, growth patterns and the distinct musculoskeletal challenges faced by children. They are skilled in adapting their approaches to the dynamic and evolving needs of growing bodies, ensuring age-appropriate interventions. We also place a special focus on creating a child-friendly and engaging environment, fostering trust and cooperation during therapy sessions.

We have specialist expertise in addressing developmental milestones, congenital conditions and childhood injuries – allowing for targeted and effective interventions which are tailored to the specific requirements of our young patients. In essence, choosing Ribble Valley Children’s Physiotherapy means that your child receives care that is not only clinically sound but also sensitive to the unique aspects of paediatric anatomy, physiology, and psychology.

Supporting Paediatric Wellness

At Ribble Valley Children's Physiotherapy, we offer highly specialised assessment and treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders in children. Some of the common issues we address include:

Sports Injuries:

Children participating in sports are susceptible to a range of injuries, each presenting unique challenges.

Sprains, involving the stretching or tearing of ligaments, commonly occur in sports requiring sudden stops or changes in direction.
Strains, affecting muscles or tendons, often result from overexertion or improper technique. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, may arise from accidents during play, collisions or high-impact activities.
Growth plate injuries, specific to growing bones, are vulnerable to trauma and can disrupt normal bone development.
Overuse injuries like tendonitis can occur when repetitive motions strain tendons, impacting areas such as the knees or elbows.

Physiotherapy is central to managing these injuries by tailoring interventions to each specific condition. Rehabilitation strategies focus on strengthening weakened muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting biomechanical imbalances. Physiotherapists guide young athletes through gradual return-to-sport programs, emphasizing injury prevention and proper training techniques to mitigate the risk of recurrence. In essence, physiotherapy is integral to the holistic care and recovery of children facing diverse sporting injuries, including both overuse and traumatic incidents.

Back Pain:

Back pain in children is a relatively uncommon but noteworthy issue. Typically, it is caused by musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strain from heavy backpacks or poor posture. In some cases, underlying conditions such as scoliosis or spinal abnormalities may also contribute. Parents must pay attention to persistent back pain, as it can impact a child’s daily activities and overall function. Early identification and intervention can greatly improve a child’s overall spinal health, and by addressing the root causes of back pain early on, physiotherapy not only provides relief but also equips children with skills to maintain a healthy spine independently.

Fractures:

Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the recovery process following fractures. After the initial immobilization phase, physiotherapists tailor rehabilitation programmes to promote healing, restore range of motion, and strengthen affected muscles. These programmes often include targeted exercises to enhance flexibility and improve joint function. Additionally, physiotherapy aids in reducing pain, and swelling and preventing muscle atrophy during the healing period. The gradual progression of exercises under professional guidance ensures a safe and effective recovery, helping children regain optimal function and mobility.

Heel Pain:

Physiotherapy plays a valuable role in addressing heel pain in children, often associated with conditions like Sever’s Disease or plantar fasciitis. Paediatric physiotherapists employ a multifaceted approach, incorporating exercises to strengthen relevant muscles, stretching to improve flexibility and techniques to alleviate pain or inflammation. We also place a focus on educating children about proper footwear and biomechanics to reduce strain on the feet. Through targeted interventions, our physiotherapists aim not only to relieve current symptoms but also to prevent recurrence. The personalised care provided by Ribble Valley Children’s Physiotherapy can significantly contribute to a child’s comfort, mobility and overall wellbeing – allowing them to fully engage in daily activities without persistent heel pain.

Knee Pain:

Physiotherapy serves as a crucial intervention for addressing knee pain in children, often arising from various causes such as sports injuries, growing pains or conditions like Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Our paediatric physiotherapists design targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve joint stability and enhance flexibility. Additionally, we focus on educating children and families about proper biomechanics and injury prevention strategies. Through a combination of hands-on therapy and tailored exercise programmes, our treatment aims to alleviate pain, restore normal function and prevent future issues. This proactive approach not only addresses current discomfort but also promotes long-term musculoskeletal health, enabling children to participate in activities without hindrance of persistent knee pain.

Hypermobility Syndrome:

Hypermobility in children is a condition characterised by excessive joint flexibility that can lead to musculoskeletal issues and reduced stability. In our treatment for hypermobility, the focus is on developing strength, coordination, and proprioception to support and stabilize the joints. Our therapists employ a variety of age-appropriate exercises and activities to enhance muscle tone, improve posture, and promote overall motor skill development. Additionally, we work closely with children and their families to educate them about joint protection, proper body mechanics, and strategies to manage symptoms. The goal is to empower children who have hypermobility to engage in daily activities with confidence, minimizing the risk of injuries and optimizing their physical well-being. Through a tailored and collaborative approach, our physiotherapy treatment becomes a valuable ally in enhancing the quality of life for children with hypermobility.

Club Foot/Talipes:

Club Foot/Talipes:
Talipes, sometimes known as clubfoot, is a congenital condition where a child's position is altered in-utero, affecting its alignment. Our physiotherapy treatment for children with talipes involves a combination of stretching exercises, gentle manipulations, and muscle-strengthening activities to gradually correct the foot deformity. Ribble Valley Children’s physiotherapists work closely with paediatric orthopaedic specialists to customise treatment plans that address the unique needs of each child. Early intervention is key, as physiotherapy can aid in improving the range of motion, muscle strength, and overall function of the affected foot. The collaborative effort between our physiotherapists, parents, and other healthcare professionals aims to optimise the child's mobility and ensure that they achieve the best possible outcomes in their development.

Gait Problems:

Physiotherapy is instrumental in addressing gait problems in children, ensuring optimal musculoskeletal development and functional mobility. Gait problems can arise from various underlying issues, such as muscular weakness, joint stiffness, neurological conditions, or congenital abnormalities. Our paediatric physiotherapists employ a comprehensive approach to assess and treat gait abnormalities in children. We focus on improving muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall coordination through targeted exercises and activities. Customised treatment plans may include gait training exercises, balance activities, and interventions to enhance proprioception. Additionally, they may use assistive devices or orthotics to aid in correcting gait abnormalities and enhance mobility. The goal is not only to correct the immediate gait issues but also to promote long-term stability, prevent secondary complications, and optimize the child's ability to participate in daily activities. By working closely with children, their families, and other healthcare professionals, our treatment fosters improved gait patterns and overall functional independence in our paediatric patients.

Juvenile Arthritis:

Juvenile arthritis is a condition which presents as joint inflammation and stiffness. Our physiotherapists specialise in developing tailored exercise programs that focus on maintaining joint mobility, strengthening muscles, and improving overall function. Through gentle stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and low-impact activities, our treatment aims to reduce pain, prevent joint deformities, and enhance the child's independence in daily activities. Additionally, our therapists educate both children and their families about joint protection techniques and adaptive strategies to manage symptoms effectively. By promoting mobility, function and a positive approach to physical activity, we aim to empower children suffering from the condition to live more comfortably and actively engage in their daily lives.

Scoliosis:

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterised by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often appearing as an "S" or "C" shape. In children, this condition can lead to asymmetry in the shoulders, ribcage, and hips, potentially causing discomfort and limited mobility. While mild cases may not cause significant issues, moderate to severe scoliosis can lead to discomfort, pain, reduced gross motor function and impaired respiratory function. Physiotherapy plays a valuable role in the management of scoliosis in children by focusing on exercises to strengthen and stretch specific muscles, improve posture, and enhance overall spinal alignment. Our physiotherapists design individualised programs to address the unique needs of each child, incorporating corrective exercises and promoting core stability. Additionally, we educate children and parents about spinal biomechanics and provide strategies for managing daily activities more effectively. While physiotherapy cannot cure scoliosis, it can contribute to slowing down its progression, alleviating pain, and improving the child's functional abilities and overall quality of life.

Before bringing your child to an appointment at Ribble Valley Children's Physiotherapy, it's important to note the following:

The frequency, duration, and severity of the symptoms.
What activities or movements seem to trigger or worsen the symptoms, and what provides relief?
Your child's past medical history.
Any significant family history of musculoskeletal issues or related conditions.

Our approach is centred around effective communication and building trust with both the child and their parents or caregivers. We believe that involving children and adolescents actively in their rehabilitation process leads to optimal outcomes.

Helping To Alleviate Pain & Discomfort

At our Paediatric physiotherapy clinic in Lancashire, we offer a range of treatments, including therapeutic exercise programmes, soft tissue mobilisation, massage, manual therapy, posture correction, core stability rehabilitation and training, whole body vibration therapy and electrical muscle stimulation therapy. Our innovative and specialist service ensures that your child receives the best care precisely when they need it.

Book an Appointment With Lancashire's Leading Provider of Paediatric MSK Physio

At Ribble Valley Children's Physiotherapy, we are here to provide nurturing and effective musculoskeletal therapy, designed for children. We aim to help children grow up with strong, healthy bodies and a bright, pain-free future. Your child's well-being is our priority, and we're here to support their journey to a healthier and more active life.

Phone: 07519 354 998 | Email: info@ribblevalleychildrensphysio.co.uk

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