Children/Paediatric Physiotherapy Rehabilitation And Musculoskeletal Screening- Injury Prevention
- rosskernow
- Sep 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 21
Children/Paediatric Physiotherapy Rehabilitation
And
Musculoskeletal Screening- Injury Prevention
When a growing child has an injury, rehabilitation is paramount to help a speedy recovery and prevent areas of weakness or lack of mobility that may cause problems later on in a child's development.
This requires a very specific approach to ensure that the root cause of the problem is identified and not only the presenting pain. A thorough examination must be performed to ascertain this and then a specific paediatric rehabilitation plan implemented that considers the child's age, lifestyle, sporting interests and long-term physical endeavours
Once an accurate diagnosis is made then a rehabilitation plan is formulated and undertaken.
Paediatric Rehabilitation can include a range of exercises to help address basic fundamental movements patterns and address the injury. This may be bodyweight exercises, Resistance Bands, Gym balls, External loads, Resistance equipment. This can tailored to sport and hobbies and a progressive plan will be given with that in mind.
Children and adolescents suffer from injuries through trauma or sports and general play. Young athletes will suffer acute, chronic, or overuse, injuries. Unfortunately, the injuries that children suffer from can be very different from an adult. This is because the immature skeletal system has not yet fully developed, thus the stress on a structure may cause trauma that it won't in an adult. Due to the effects of growth on the musculoskeletal system, children are at risk for injuries to the growth plate, apophysis, and joint surface. The growing body can also go through very quick changes over a relatively short period of time, thus can be more susceptible to injuries.
It is important that adolescent injuries are treated early as they can have a significant impact on their future musculoskeletal health. It's observed that up to one-third of adolescents report MSK pain monthly or more, and the prevalence of MSK pain rises quickly from childhood to adolescence. This can be due to the quick musculoskeletal changes that occur during growth combined with physical activity volume.
Musculoskeletal Screening- Injury Prevention
With increased sports participation, it is important for children or youth athletes to undergo pre-participation examination, including musculoskeletal screening, Injury Prevention and functional performance testing to reduce the risk for future injuries. The ‘injury prevention through prediction’ approach aims to assess fundamental movement qualities in order to identify injury risk as reduced movement quality is suggestive of higher injury risk especially in youth athletes.
MSK screening or Injury Prevention screening is a selection of specific targeted tests of muscle strength. flexibility, joint mobility, core strength that are relevant to the sport the person is participating in. This is combined with functional testing to highlight factors predisposing an athlete to injury or a performance hindrance that can be highlighted and corrected. The use of specific tools and testing protocols can be deployed to help identify why an injury has presented and others.
What does it involve;
60 mins detailed physical and functional examination in clinic.
45 min follow up appointment to discuss findings and start the program.
A detailed report that is written highlighting findings and proposal.
Injury screening. Testing each joint and potential underlying injuries.
Functional testing for lower limb agility, balance, stability and strength
Core and spinal testing
Exercise programme given
Turra Physio provides a detailed biomechanical assessment and have the experience and highest educational qualifications and standards of practice, thus ensuring that they will receive the best professional care possible.
This means parents/guardians can have peace of mind that the rehabilitation of the young person is optimal, allowing them to return to their previous levels of activity rapidly and with confidence.
If required, we can liaise with Coaches to help in returning your child to the sport they enjoy safely and quickly.
Contact Turra Physio on 07354 471470 or email hello@turraphysio.co.uk to make an appointment.
