pediatric diseases and their physical therapy treatment

1. PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL
THERAPY
SUBMITTED TO:
DR. MARIA IDREES

2.  Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that
focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children with various
movement disorders or limitations. It aims to promote optimal physical
development and function in infants, children, and adolescents. As with any
field of healthcare, pediatric physical therapy is influenced by evidence-based
practice, which involves integrating the best available research evidence,
clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences.

3. EARLY INTERVENTION:
 Early Intervention: Early identification and
intervention have been shown to have
significant positive effects on children's
outcomes. Recognizing and addressing
developmental delays or disabilities as early as
possible can improve motor skills, cognitive
abilities, and overall functional outcomes.

4. FAMILY-CENTERED
CARE:
 Family-Centered Care: In
recent years, there has been a
shift toward family-centered
care models in pediatric
physical therapy. This
approach recognizes the
importance of involving and
empowering families as active
participants in the child's
therapy process. Collaborating
with families to set goals,
providing education and
support, and considering their
values and priorities leads to
more effective and meaningful
interventions.

5. MOTOR LEARNING PRINCIPLES:
 Motor Learning Principles: Incorporating motor
learning principles into therapy interventions has
gained prominence. This includes providing
repetitive practice, using task-specific training,
providing feedback and guidance, and creating
an enriched environment to enhance motor skill
acquisition and generalization.

6. TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS:
 Technology-Assisted Interventions: The use of
technology and innovative tools in pediatric
physical therapy has expanded. Virtual reality,
wearable sensors, mobile applications, and
gaming platforms are being integrated into
therapy sessions to enhance engagement,
motivation, and outcomes.

7. STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING:
 Strength and Conditioning:
Pediatric physical therapists are
increasingly recognizing the
importance of strength and
conditioning interventions for
children. Evidence supports the
benefits of resistance training and
structured exercise programs in
improving strength, endurance,
and overall functional abilities in
children with various conditions or
disabilities.

8. INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION:
 Interprofessional Collaboration: Collaboration
among healthcare professionals, educators, and
other stakeholders involved in a child's care has
gained recognition as an essential component of
pediatric physical therapy. Working together in an
interdisciplinary team allows for comprehensive
assessments, coordinated interventions, and
continuity of care across different settings.

9. COMMON
PEDIATRIC
DISEASES AND
THEIR MODERN
PHYSICAL THERAPY
TREATMENTS

10. CEREBRAL PALSY:
 Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of motor disorders caused
by brain damage. Physical therapy for cerebral palsy focuses on
improving mobility, strength, coordination, and balance. Treatment
may involve stretching exercises, therapeutic activities, assistive
devices, gait training, and functional training to enhance
independence in daily activities.
 Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT): This approach
involves restraining the unaffected limb to encourage the use and
functional improvement of the affected limb.
 Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT): NDT focuses on facilitating
normal movement patterns and motor control through handling
techniques, positioning, and task-specific activities.
 Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): FES uses electrical currents to
stimulate muscles, promoting muscle activation and improving
function.

11. MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY:
 Muscular Dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of
genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and
loss of muscle mass. Physical therapy aims to maintain functional
abilities, prevent contractures, and maximize quality of life.
Treatment may include stretching exercises, range of motion
exercises, aerobic conditioning, and energy conservation
strategies.
 Strength Training: Incorporating resistance training and
progressive strengthening exercises can help maintain muscle
strength and function.
 Assistive Devices: Introduction and training in the use of mobility
aids, such as wheelchairs or braces, can help maintain
independence and mobility as the condition progresses.

12. DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY:
Developmental Delay: Developmental delay refers to a delay in
achieving developmental milestones. Physical therapy aims to
address the specific areas of delay, such as gross motor skills,
coordination, and balance. Therapists may use play-based activities,
therapeutic exercises, and motor learning techniques to promote
age-appropriate development.
 Sensory Integration Therapy: This therapy aims to enhance
sensory processing abilities and integration through specific
sensory-based activities and techniques.
 Play-Based Therapy: Play-based therapy utilizes play activities to
stimulate overall development, including gross motor, fine motor,
and social skills.

13. DOWN SYNDROME:
 Down Syndrome: Down syndrome is a genetic disorder
characterized by cognitive impairment and physical features.
Physical therapy interventions for Down syndrome focus on
improving muscle tone, strength, gross motor skills, and overall
physical development. Therapists may use exercises, balance
training, coordination activities, and adaptive equipment to
enhance functional abilities.
 Early Intervention Programs: Early intervention programs focus on
stimulating cognitive, motor, and communication skills through a
multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy.
 Aquatic Therapy: Aquatic therapy takes advantage of the
buoyancy and resistance of water to improve strength, endurance,
and overall motor abilities.

14. SPINA BIFIDA:
 Spina Bifida: Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the spine
and spinal cord. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing
spina bifida by promoting mobility, muscle strength, and
independence. Treatment may include stretching exercises,
strengthening exercises, hydrotherapy, gait training, and
wheelchair fitting.
 Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, helps
improve mobility, strength, and coordination in a supportive
aquatic environment.
 Orthotic Management: Custom-made orthotic devices, such as
braces or splints, can help support weak muscles, promote
alignment, and enhance functional abilities.

15. JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS (JIA):
 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): JIA is a chronic autoimmune
disease that causes joint inflammation. Physical therapy helps
manage JIA by reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and
preserving function. Treatment may include exercises, manual
therapy, splinting, and patient education on joint protection
techniques.
 Therapeutic Exercises: Specific exercises and range of motion
activities help maintain joint flexibility, reduce pain, and improve
overall physical function.
 Occupational Therapy Collaboration: Collaboration with
occupational therapy focuses on addressing fine motor skills,
activities of daily living, and joint protection techniques.

16. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD):
 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is a neurodevelopmental
disorder characterized by social communication difficulties and
repetitive behaviors. Physical therapy interventions for children with
ASD often focus on improving motor coordination, sensory
integration, and body awareness. Therapists may use sensory-based
activities, therapeutic exercises, and gross motor play to enhance
motor skills and sensory processing.
 Sensory Integration Therapy: Sensory integration therapy helps
individuals with ASD process sensory information more effectively
and improve motor coordination.
 Visual Supports: Visual supports, such as visual schedules or visual
cues, can aid in organizing tasks and promoting understanding of
instructions during therapy sessions.

17. SPINAL CORD INJURY:
 Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal cord injuries can occur due to trauma or
medical conditions. Physical therapy aims to maximize functional
independence and improve quality of life. Treatment may involve
strengthening exercises, mobility training, functional electrical
stimulation, assistive devices, and education on self-care
techniques.
 Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): FES can help restore muscle
function, improve circulation, and prevent secondary
complications.
 Mobility Training: Intensive mobility training focuses on teaching
wheelchair skills, transfers, and adaptive strategies to enhance
independence and participation in daily activities.

18. CONGENITAL TORTICOLLIS:
 Congenital Torticollis: Congenital torticollis is a condition
characterized by the tilting or rotation of the head due to tight
neck muscles. Physical therapy focuses on stretching exercises,
positioning techniques, and postural training to improve neck
range of motion and symmetry.
 Positioning and Stretching Exercises: Specific positioning
techniques and stretching exercises target the tight neck muscles
to improve range of motion and symmetry.
 Parent Education: Educating parents about home exercises and
positioning strategies helps ensure consistent treatment and
progress outside therapy sessions.

19. PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY:
 Pediatric Oncology: Physical therapy plays a supportive role in
pediatric oncology by addressing physical impairments, functional
limitations, and treatment-related side effects. Treatment may
involve exercises, conditioning programs, pain management
strategies, and education on energy conservation.
 Palliative Care: Palliative care focuses on managing pain,
improving quality of life, and addressing physical and emotional
needs throughout the treatment process.
 Energy Conservation Strategies: Teaching energy conservation
techniques helps children maintain activity levels and manage
fatigue during and after treatment.

20. SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY (SMA):
 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
is a genetic (inherited) neuromuscular disease that causes muscles
to become weak and waste away.
 Respiratory Care: Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing
respiratory complications associated with SMA. Techniques such
as airway clearance maneuvers, breathing exercises, and assistive
respiratory devices help maintain optimal respiratory function.
 Assisted Standing Programs: Assisted standing devices and
programs promote weight-bearing, bone health, and overall
musculoskeletal development.

21. TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI):
 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A head injury causing damage to the
brain by external force or mechanism.
 Cognitive Rehabilitation: Physical therapists collaborate with other
healthcare professionals to address cognitive impairments
through strategies and exercises that promote attention, memory,
problem-solving, and executive functions.
 Balance Training: Balance training programs help improve
postural stability, coordination, and reduce the risk of falls.

22. DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
(DMD):
 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): condition that weakens
skeletal and heart muscle that quickly gets worse with time.
 Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercises, such as cycling or swimming,
are beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall
endurance.
 Nighttime Splinting: Nighttime ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are
used to stretch calf muscles and prevent contractures that may
occur during sleep.

23. PEDIATRIC STROKE:
 Pediatric Stroke: a rare condition affecting one in every 4,000
newborns a type of blood vessel (cerebrovascular) disorder
 Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT): Similar to the
approach used in cerebral palsy, CIMT helps improve affected limb
function and encourages the use of the weaker side.
 Task-Specific Training: Task-specific training focuses on repetitive
practice of functional tasks to promote motor recovery and
improve functional abilities.

24. OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA (OI):
 Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI): also known as brittle bone disease,
is an inherited disorder of the connective tissue.
 Safe Movement and Fall Prevention: Physical therapists provide
guidance on safe movement techniques and fall prevention
strategies to reduce the risk of fractures.
 Strengthening Exercises: Specific strengthening exercises
targeting the musculoskeletal system help improve bone density
and strength.

25. SPASTIC DIPLEGIA:
 Spastic Diplegia: a form of cerebral palsy that causes muscle
stiffness and spasms in a person’s legs and sometimes arms.
 Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): SDR is a surgical procedure
used in some cases to reduce spasticity in the lower limbs.
Physical therapy is an essential component of the rehabilitation
process following SDR.
 Serial Casting: Serial casting involves applying a series of casts to
gradually stretch and improve joint range of motion.

26. CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF):
 Cystic Fibrosis (CF): an inherited disorder that causes severe
damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the
body.
 Airway Clearance Techniques: Physical therapists teach and guide
individuals with CF in performing airway clearance techniques,
such as percussion, vibration, and postural drainage, to clear
mucus from the lungs.
 Exercise Programs: Aerobic and strength exercises help improve
lung capacity, endurance, and overall physical fitness.

27. GENETIC METABOLIC DISORDERS
 Genetic Metabolic Disorders (e.g., Gaucher disease, Fabry
disease): a group of medical conditions caused by genetic defects
that interfere with the body’s metabolism
 Energy Conservation Strategies: Physical therapists provide
education on energy conservation techniques to manage fatigue
and optimize energy levels.
 Adapted Physical Activities: Adaptive physical activities and
exercises are tailored to the individual's abilities and limitations,
focusing on improving strength, coordination, and overall
functional abilities.

28. CONCLUSION:
 "In conclusion, pediatric physical therapy is an ever-evolving field
driven by evidence-based practices. Today, we have explored
several evidence-based trends that shape the landscape of
pediatric rehabilitation. Early intervention, family-centered care,
and the application of motor learning principles are just a few
examples of the approaches that have proven to be effective in
optimizing outcomes for children with various conditions.