Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists or physical therapists are health-science professionals with a master’s or PhD degree in physical therapy

Practice

A physical therapist uses exercises, stretches, and other techniques to improve mobility, decrease pain, and reduce any disability related to illness or injury. Children may need physical therapy as a result of developmental delays, injuries, long hospitalizations, or after surgery. Doctors often recommend physical therapy for kids who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability.

Physiotherapists work with infants and young children assessing their motor development; they work in collaboration with parents and other service providers including infant development (IDP) and supported child development (SCDP) consultants, and with teachers in preschools, daycares, and schools.

Physical therapists are often able to relieve pain and help children resume daily activities. After an injury, physical therapists teach exercises designed to help children regain strength and range of motion, and also show them how to prevent a recurring injury. Physical therapy (PT) may be needed any time a child has difficulty moving in such a way that it limits daily activities.