Overview
Physiotherapists (PTs) work with children/youth and their families/caregivers to successfully meet goals focused on achieving new mobility milestones, maintaining posture and alignment of the body needed for breathing, digestion, and movement, as well as participating in physical activities with family and friends.
Physiotherapists at Grandview Kids focus on paediatric physiotherapy and provide a range of services to support the development and maintenance of functional mobility skills at home and in the community. Grandview Kids’ Physiotherapists are regulated health professionals and are licensed to practice under the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Grandview Kids also employs Physiotherapy Assistants (PTAs) who may address a portion of your child’s treatment plan under the supervision of a Physiotherapist.
Eligibility Criteria
- Geographic Criteria: Children living in Durham Region.
- Age Criteria: Newborn to 19 years, dependent on the area of concern.
- Diagnostic Criteria: Physical, neurological, or genetic challenges impacting general development and ability to participate in mobility activities at home or in the community.
Assessment
A comprehensive assessment can help provide a greater understanding of your child’s current motor skills and interests.
What does the PT assess?
In addition to looking at motor development, the therapist will assess your child’s:
- Musculoskeletal System: How do the bones and muscles work together to move the body?
- Neuromotor System: How does the brain and nervous system work to move the musculoskeletal system?
- Participation/Function: How well do the above systems work together to enable a person to move around safely and independently in their home, school, and community?
How does the PT complete an assessment?
Physiotherapists use a variety of observational and standardized assessment tools to measure physical and developmental change. A Physiotherapist will support your understanding of your child’s development in comparison to their peers, as well as offer help to recognize changes in your own child’s gross motor development over time.
Intervention
Physiotherapy intervention can take on many different forms, both from an individual perspective and within a group setting. At Grandview Kids, intervention may be provided for a child by utilizing the following approaches:
- a “team” approach to ensure a shared understanding of your child and family’s needs, treatment plans, and caregiving strategies;
- development of an individualized treatment program for your child based on areas of priority identified from the assessment findings and shared goals;
- practical suggestions and recommendations to help your child and family achieve improved motor function; and/or
- long-term follow-up to ensure continuity of care.
Referral Process – How to Access Grandview Kids Physiotherapy Services and Supports
For all general inquiries, information on additional resources, or to speak with a team member about making a referral or eligibility criteria, please visit our Referral Page. Our Service Navigation team will happily answer your questions and connect your child with the appropriate services to meet their needs.
Resources
For more information about Physiotherapy, or to find a private practitioner in your area, please refer to the following websites:
- Ontario Physiotherapy Association – 1-800-672-9668, physiomail@opa.on.ca
- Screening Tools/Milestone Information – https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/
