Let’s debunk common misconceptions in paediatric physiotherapy as we explore essential considerations for your child’s development.
- The “Wait and See” Approach
Contrary to the belief that parents should adopt a “wait and see” approach to childhood development concerns, we emphasize the importance of taking every parental concern seriously.
While this approach can be necessary in certain cases, most of the time a parent’s concern is important and should be treated as such. At Ohana Physiotherapy our commitment is to actively listen, assess, and respond promptly to your child’s unique needs. - All Physiotherapists Can Treat Kids
Technically this is true, physiotherapy is an extensive university degree that allows graduates to work in all areas. However, children are not little adults and should not be treated this way!
At Ohana, our team members have different special interest areas within paediatrics and adolescent care. Our paediatric physiotherapists have completed extensive professional development in child development and have a strong interest in early childhood intervention (infants, babies and young children). Our adolescent physiotherapists have a special interest in working with older children and teenagers, often incorporating enjoyable sporting activities into their sessions whenever appropriate, creating a fun, engaging and effective rehabilitation experience. - Paediatric Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists are the same
It’s a common misconception that paediatric physiotherapists and occupational therapists provide similar services. While both share a commitment to play-based and participation-based goals, their clinical approaches significantly differ. Paediatric physiotherapists excel in enhancing gross motor skills and we advocate for a collaborative approach, combining our diverse expertise to work towards your child’s best outcomes. - Crawling Is Not Important
Although recent CDC guidelines no longer consider crawling a developmental milestone, its significance persists. Crawling plays a crucial role in enhancing upper limb strength, bilateral coordination, and enabling children to explore their environment before they begin walking. Children who bypass the crawling stage may encounter delays in the development of fine motor skills and climbing abilities. Our experienced physiotherapists are well-prepared to effectively address these developmental challenges. In clinical practice, we frequently observe that children who do not crawl tend to experience delays in terms of fine motor skills and climbing abilities. - Children Shouldn’t Wear Shoes Until School
Contrary to the belief that all children should remain shoeless until they begin school, some may benefit from custom footwear or orthoses. These needs often arise due to concerns like collapsed arches, weak foot musculature, or foot deformities. Such issues are frequently associated with gross motor delays, warranting early intervention.
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we are committed to delivering top-tier mobile paediatric physiotherapy services across the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast. By dispelling these myths, we ensure that your child receives individualised care and unwavering support necessary for their optimal development.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss appointment availability. We are here to assist you in your child’s journey towards improved health and enhanced mobility.