Is Physiotherapy Safe for Kids

Although physiotherapy may be thought of as something we need in our adult life, children may require physiotherapy as well. Physiotherapy is a suitable treatment for children. Similar to adults undergoing physiotherapy, the treatment must be appropriate for the presenting injury, the health of the child and the activities or sports that the child undertakes. Many physiotherapy treatments, such as manual therapy, exercise and soft tissue treatment, can in many cases be used with children.One group of children that we commonly treat in our Dublin 4 clinic are children who have recently experienced a growth spurt. Children often undergo a significant growth spurt at some time between the ages of 9 and 15. At this time of rapid growth there can be a increased load on soft tissue and the growth plates of the bones. This can lead to strain on different parts of the body. Certain conditions that are common in this group of patients include

• Osgood-Schlatter lesion: This is a strain on the growth plate at the front of the shin bone, near the knee. It is usually associated with a high level of jumping and running. The prominent bony point below the knee will be tender to touch. Some reduction of sporting activities may be needed to manage this condition.
• Sever’s lesion: This is heel pain caused by a strain on the insertion of the Achilles tendon into the heel bone. This is common in children aged 7 to 10 and is normally accompanied by tight calf muscles. Biomechanical assessment can be helpful in determining any underlying causes.
• Muscle strain: Certain muscles such as the hamstrings and calf muscles can be susceptible to strain during a growth spurt. These are managed with the RICE regime (Rest Ice Compression Elevation), therapeutic exercise as needed and a gradual return to sport.

For more information on these conditions or to find out if physiotherapy is suitable for your child’s injury, contact us at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy