Infants
Infants, babies that have passed newborn status but haven’t reached one year of age, are developing rapidly.
The weeks and months fly by at this age, and while we all hope they fly by without a hitch, there are a variety of reasons a paediatric physiotherapist may be needed to support their ongoing development.
Below are a few of the reasons you might consider visiting us with your infant:
Developmental delays
While timeframes for meeting developmental milestones are wide, delays can, and do, still occur.
If your baby is not meeting key motor milestones, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking, physiotherapy can help by assessing their movement patterns and providing exercises to encourage progress.
Hip dysplasia (developmental dysplasia of the hip)
Affecting one in every 1000 babies [1], hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, and as a result, the bones don’t fit together correctly.
There are a number of treatments for hip dysplasia depending on the severity, including bracing and surgery. But no matter the treatment, physiotherapy can help by promoting proper hip positioning, guiding parents on safe movement, and providing exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
Neurological conditions
Conditions such as cerebral palsy, hypotonia (low muscle tone), muscular dystrophy, and other neurological conditions can impact both gross and fine motor movement.
Through tailored exercises, positioning strategies, and assistive techniques, physiotherapy can help children develop their motor skills and maximise their independence in daily activities.
Early intervention, even from this young age, can greatly improve a child's ability to move and participate in play, learning, and social interactions, ensuring the best possible quality of life.