Therapy
Child with cerebral palsy progressing to walking outside
Older child with cerebral palsy working on standing balance with mother
Therapy for a baby who has some developmental delay (Kate)
Specialised in Neurodevelopment and Rehabilitation
This professional physical therapy practice offers you therapy for children and adults with:
- Cerebral Palsy and allied neurological conditions (mild to severe)
- Adult Neurological conditions e.g. Strokes
- Developmental delays / Preterm / Other?
- Coordination / balance problems / difficulty learning new skills / sensory processing issues.
- Brain Damage / Injury
• A main goal of therapy is to assist children & adults, with mild problems to become more active and independent but also to assist carers to manage those with more severe disabilities in daily life routines.With early therapy, new pathways in the brain can be opened up so that optimum function can occur.• A holistic approach is taken looking at the person as a whole i.e. physical, cognitive, social, communication• The aim being to improve posture, movement and sensory-motor development within their ability level.• Ways to enhance more participation in the community.• Practice, having fun and being motivated are key factors when learning new skills.
Therapy for each individual
- A personalised, comprehensive assessment and therapy plan will be offered for each child or adult.
- As each person is assisted to develop their movement skills through play experiences or an enjoyable activity, more learning, confidence and independence will occur.
- As the child grows it is important to maintain flexibility in muscles and joints (to reduce tightness over time) and promote strength. This also applies to adults.
- Physical goals in children or adults may be:
- "To make movement easier" through guidance or correct handling so that position changes and transitions can happen
- e.g. rolling over, getting into sitting, stand up, balance / walk / using steps / daily self care skills
- e.g. arm and hand co-ordination for grasp and support and finer movements
Teaching others is vital for a 'carryover'
- A home and photo/video programme may assist the person or parent/carer to carryover activities into daily life / school / other environments / community.
Questions to ask: - What is important for that person and family?
- What can the individual do = positive abilities?
- What are the difficulties? Gaps in development?
- (The person may be stiff, or floppy or unstable or have too much movement?)
- Why? What do about it?
- What could the person do with a little help?
Family Focus and Fun
Sessions are usually one hour with 'hands on' treatment or handling given to guide the child / adult.
- How to move, or play & be active with a purpose.
The goal, where possible is to get the therapist / carer's "hands off" so they become more active / independent.
Use of Equipment / Splints / Mobility aids (walkers, learning to ride a scooter and bike) may be used to enhance function and learn new skills.
Follow Us
Kate Hedges
3 Sunnyvale Rd, Auckland 1051
021 02271026 09 524 5870
Physiotherapy services for babies, children and adults.
Physiotherapy services for babies, children and adults.
Email: khedges21@xtra.co.nz
