Physical therapy or physiotherapy is a branch of rehabilitative medicine aimed at helping patients maintain, recover or improve their physical abilities.

 

Physical therapists or physiotherapists work with patients whose movements may be undermined by aging, disease, environmental factors, or sporting hazards.  Physical therapy also means the treatment of any pain, disease, or injury by physical means.

 

A physical therapist seeks to identify and maximize quality of life and movement potential through prevention, intervention (treatment), promotion, habilitation, and rehabilitation.

 

A qualified physical therapist is an expert in the examination and treatment of people with cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases; focusing on conditions and problems that undermine patients' abilities to move and function effectively.

 

Doctors often recommend physical therapy for children who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability.  

 

​After an injury, physical therapists are often able to relieve pain and help children resume daily activities.

 

Physical therapists teach children exercises designed to help them regain strength and range of motion, and also show them how to prevent a recurring injury.

 

Physical therapy may be needed any time a child has difficulty moving in such a way that it limits daily activities.  

 

Doctors may recommend Physical Therapy for children with: 

 

• sports injuries  

• developmental delays         

• cerebral palsy

• genetic disorders

• orthopedic disabilities/injuries

• heart and lung conditions

• birth defects (such as spina bifida)

• effects of in-utero drug or alcohol exposure

• acute trauma

• head injury

• limb deficiencies

• muscle diseases

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