Paediatric Physiotherapy treats the following conditions:

• Neurological conditions and disorders, such as cerebral palsy.
• Global Motor Development Delay
• Sensory Disorder
• Coordination problems, Dyspraxia
• Genetic Disorders, as Down Syndrome
• Autistic Spectrum
• Orthopedic problems

Sensory Integration Disorders:

A Sensory Integration Dysfunction is a neurological disorder that results from the brain's inability to integrate the information received from our body and environment. Beside the five senses, of touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing, we have a proprioceptive system, which provides us with information about our body awareness and the vestibular system, which gives information where our body is in space. These sensory systems must work together to accomplish complex tasks in the daily life. In the early age, the child mainly senses things and then moves his body in relation to these senses, these are the years of sensory‑motor processes. As the child grows, the brain's development of cognitive and social functions is based on an appropriate foundation of sensory motor processing. When the brain poorly integrates sensory messages, inefficient motor development, language, learning and behavior problems may become evident to the family and professionals. This disorder can make the child clumsy, awkward, tire easily as well as hyperactive and a poor concentration span. In addition theses children may have learning difficulties and speech and language deficits.

The Sensory Integrative approach is rich in vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile stimulation. The therapy is very child directed, creative and joyful.

Each adaptive response from the child, as he/she provides feedback into the nervous system, encourages maturation and organisation of the nervous system. He/she becomes more focused, alert and skillful in their daily activities.

What are the signs for a Sensory Integrative Disorder?

When your child is:

• Overly sensitive to touch, movements, sights or sounds.
• Under reactive to sensory stimulation e.g. failing and bumping into things, not recognising danger
• Oblivious to pain or to body position and may have fine and/or gross motor deficits
• Having coordination problems and has poor balance, clumsy or stiff
• Avoiding playground equipment and dislikes climbing or jumping and may have problems riding a bike
• Very quiet or absent, doesn't find friends easily
• Impulsive, distractible, aggressive, has problems to adjust to new situations and has difficulties with organisation
• Unmotivated or maybe stubborn or troublesome with poor self confidence
• Having difficulties with attention and jumps from one activity to another
• Having learning problems with delays in academic achievement or activities of daily living (handwriting, scissor use, tying shoes, buttoning... )

Bobath or NDT Therapy:

Bobath is a scientifically based therapy. Bobath's approach is to use specialised handling techniques, which enable children to participate in daily activities while using normal movement patterns. For children with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, Bobath Therapy will help to inhibit pathological movement patterns and facilitate normal patterns. The therapy is holistic; through Bobath therapy the child can learn how to move more functionally, become more coordinated and overcome postural problems. This enables both the child and the family to experience a better quality of life.