Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy

WELCOME TO PAEDIATRICS

The basic definition of paediatric physiotherapy is the provision of evaluative, habilitation and rehabilitation services to children, from birth to 21 years. In reality, however, paediatric physiotherapy is a dynamic field of clinical practice that is focused on improving the participation of children, and their families, in all aspects of life.To effectively meet this challenge, physiotherapist must move beyond their traditional role as health care clinicians and assume leadership in complementary areas of professional practice, as for example, advocating for the rights of children with disabilities and their families to services, sports, etc....
The emphasis on life participation necessitates that we find ways to treat children where they are. This has had a tremendous impact on the model of service delivery, with increasing demand for paediatric physiotherapists to provide services within a child's home and school, participate, direct or provide consultation in the collaborative management of a case, and coordinate inter-agency involvement. Paediatric physiotherapists are also often required to provide education regarding the needs of children with disabilities to those providing community-based services, such as teachers, coaches, etc... Developing effective communication skills is essential to succeed in these various professional roles.

The overall aim of this course, therefore, is to promote students' understanding of their professional roles in paediatric physiotherapy and to promote learning and practice of the fundamental clinical skills necessary to assuming these roles.