Pediatric patients often require physical therapy to treat the common growth, development, and sports-related issues of childhood and adolescence. PhysioFit physical therapists are specially trained to address such pediatric conditions through targeted movement, exercises, and education. Here are just some of the pediatric-specific issues that can be treated at PhysioFit:
Patellofemoral Syndrome:
Caused by a discrepancy in muscle strength between the inner and outer muscles around the knee, this condition results in inappropriate patella tracking and pain around the kneecap. This issue is most common in pre-teen and teenage girls and is aggravated by activities that use the knee muscles (e.g. running, jumping, deep squats).
How can PhysioFit help?
Quadricep strengthening as well as stretching of the hip, hamstring, calf, and iliotibial band can help patients improve patella tracking. Our therapists guide patients through such strengthening, lengthening, and stretching exercises, as well as use manual techniques and taping (Mc Connell and Kinesiotape) to help reduce/eliminate the pain associated with this syndrome.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease:
This condition is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. It causes swelling, pain and tenderness just below the knee, over the tibia. Osgood-Schlatter disease likely results from pulling of the quadricep muscles during the pre-teen/teenage growth spurt.
How can PhysioFit help?
Through Pilates-based exercises, our therapists train patients on spring/resistance equipment to promote proper muscle strength and realign the patellar tendon. Along with manual techniques and taping, these exercises not only reduce pain, but they also allow the patient to regain range of motion in their knee.
Shoulder Dislocation:
Typically caused by a fall, direct blow to the shoulder area, or forceful throwing/hitting, shoulder dislocation is a common issue among active pediatric patients and often results in severe pain and/or an inability to participate fully in contact sports.
How can PhysioFit help?
Our physical therapists guide patients through exercises to restore strength and range of motion of the shoulder, thereby limiting the chance of a second dislocation, as well as improving the likelihood of continued involvement in sports.
Scoliosis:
Children with scoliosis have a lateral curvature of the thoracic and/or thoracolumbar portions of the spine. Most cases are mild, however, severe scoliosis may cause significant pain and be debilitating for an otherwise active young patient.
How can PhysioFit help?
At PhysioFit, we train young patients in stretches and exercises to improve their posture and maximize their range of motion. We also provide them with an education on ways to manage their symptoms and reduce back pain for the long term.
Ankle Sprain:
A rather common injury among the pediatric population, ankle sprains occur when a ligament of the foot/ankle is stretched beyond its normal limit. Forty percent of patients who experience this injury develop chronic ankle instability making them susceptible to repeat ankle sprains.
How can PhysioFit help?
Our therapists use manual techniques and teach patients strengthening and proprioceptive exercises to regain stability in the tendons and muscles of the ankle. Taping is used to reduce edema and pain, and increase stability. In addition, gait training may be provided to prevent or break unfavorable habits. By providing a customized rehabilitation program, we help them resume their normal activities as soon as possible as well as prevent future injury.
Pitching Injuries:
Young pitchers may experience an injury or general discomfort due to overuse, poor throwing mechanics, or improper conditioning of the shoulder/arm muscles. As many as 50% of Little League pitchers report pain in their shoulder/arm sometime during the 3-month baseball season.
How can PhysioFit help?
We devise conditioning programs for young pitchers to address core strength, agility, and stamina so that they can continue their involvement in sports and reduce their risk of a chronic shoulder/arm condition.
