- Neuroscience in Paediatric Physiotherapy.
Updated knowledge and understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms and the processes of cerebral functioning and recovery in children guide paediatric physiotherapists in renewing their intervention strategies. Acquisitions in the neuroscientific field are also the foundation for the development of new technologies that can enrich the opportunities of physiotherapy.
The physiotherapy treatments proposed in the neuromotor field reflect / use this knowledge as a conceptual framework and measure its applicability and repercussions in clinical practice. The acquisitions in the neuroscientific field are also the foundation for the development of new technologies that can enrich the opportunities of physiotherapy intervention.
- Children with Complex Multisystemic Care Needs.
An increasing number of children referred to physiotherapy services present multisystemic pathologies and complications, including cardiorespiratory, nutritional, sensory, neuro-motor, musculoskeletal and communication dysfunctions. The paediatric physiotherapist needs wide-ranging skills to promptly recognize and understand the great variety of problems that can arise in the different functional areas. Supporting participation for these children requires a great deal of environmental adaptation to enhance the child’s resources. Working with other health and social professionals and the use of aids are valuable resources for the physiotherapist.
To enhance the child’s resources in order to support participation, a major effort is required to improve environmental factors. The use of technologies, aids, orthoses, devices to support respiratory / nutritional functions and networking with other professionals in both the health and social fields is essential to support these children.
- Physiotherapy in Adolescents.
Teenagers pose special challenges and require a different approach compared to all other age groups. Physiotherapists need to promote the progressive empowerment and self-management of these young people as they move towards independence. Physiotherapists working with adolescents, especially in the case of chronic pathology, are called to enrich the treatment with strategies useful to support self-determination, adherence and, where possible, the progressive acquisition of autonomy in daily life and in the management of own pathology.
Families benefit from support in the adolescent’s transition to adulthood and their integration into services for adults.