Myotherapy for kids and babies

Myotherapy for a child or baby will depend on their specific musculoskeletal condition, age, and individual needs. Myotherapy for children is safe, gentle and adapted to ensure their comfort and safety.

 

Here's how your Myotherapist may treat your child:

 

Assessment: Your Myotherapist will begin by assessing the child's condition. This may involve talking to the child (if appropriate) and their parents or guardians to understand the child's symptoms, medical history, and any concerns. Your Myotherapist will also perform a physical assessment, which could include observing the child's posture, range of motion, and muscle function.

 

Age-Appropriate Communication: Your Myotherapist is skilled at communicating with your child in a friendly and reassuring manner. They will explain the treatment process in a child-friendly way to help the child feel at ease.

 

Hands-On Techniques: Your Myotherapist may use various hands-on techniques, such as gentle massage, stretching, and myofascial release, to address muscle tension and discomfort. These techniques are adapted to the child's size, age, and comfort level.

 

Playful Approach: For younger children, your Myotherapist may incorporate play-based or interactive techniques to make the treatment session engaging and enjoyable. This can help reduce anxiety and build trust.

 

Education: Your Myotherapist will often provide education to both the child and their parents or guardians about the child's condition, the treatment plan, and any home exercises or self-care techniques that may be beneficial.

 

Collaboration: Your Myotherapist will generally work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the child's care.

 

Parent Involvement: Depending on the child's age and needs, parents or guardians may be involved in the treatment process. Your Myotherapist may provide guidance on how parents can support the child's recovery at home.

 

Safety and Comfort: Your Myotherapist will prioritise the child's safety and comfort throughout the treatment session. They will adjust the treatment techniques and intensity as needed to ensure the child's well-being.

 

Building Trust: Establishing trust and rapport with the child is essential. Your Myotherapist will take time to create a positive and supportive environment to help children feel relaxed and at ease.

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MYOTHERAPY FOR BABIES

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Myotherapy will be a collaborative treatment for babies, along with your paediatric physiotherapist, child chiropractor or paediatrician. Your Myotherapist will work alongside your babies health care team, to treat the following conditions related to a baby's musculoskeletal health:

 

Congenital Muscular Torticollis: This condition involves tightness or contracture of the muscles in the neck, leading to the baby tilting their head to one side. Paediatric physiotherapists or chiropractors will often provide treatment alongside your Myotherapist for this condition, through exercises and positioning techniques.

 

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): DDH is a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, potentially leading to hip dislocation. Orthopaedic specialists, physiotherapists and paediatricians are typically responsible for diagnosis and treatment, which may include bracing or surgical intervention.  Myotherapy can have an important role alongside these other specialists to support the musculoskeletal health.

 

Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly): Babies can develop flat spots on their heads due to positioning or muscle imbalances. Paediatric physiotherapists or chiropractors can recommend repositioning techniques and exercises to address this. Your Myotherapist will collaborate with these allied heath specialists to provide soft tissue treatment to the neck muscles.

 

Feeding Difficulties: Some babies may experience difficulty latching during breastfeeding due to muscle or oral motor issues. Lactation consultants, speech therapists, and paediatric occupational therapists are often involved in addressing these issues, alongside your Myotherapist who can provide soft tissue release to the muscles in the jaw, face and neck.

 

Muscle Tone Concerns: Babies with low or high muscle tone may receive treatment from a Myotherapist who will work collaboratively with other allied health.

 

 

 

MYOTHERAPY FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND TEENS

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Your Myotherapist can also treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions and issues in children. These conditions can affect various parts of the body, and your Myotherapist can provide assessment, treatment, and management strategies tailored to each child's needs. Here are some common musculoskeletal conditions and concerns that your Myotherapist may address in children and teens:

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Growing Pains: Growing pains are common in children and typically involve muscle aches and discomfort, often in the legs. Your Myotherapist can provide techniques to alleviate these pains and offer guidance on stretching and strengthening exercises.

 

Muscle Tension and Tightness: Children may experience muscle tension and tightness due to various factors, including sports activities, poor posture, or overuse. Your Myotherapist can use massage, stretching, and other hands-on techniques to relieve muscle tension.

 

Postural Issues: Poor posture can contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort in children. Your Myotherapist can assess and address postural problems, offering guidance on improving ergonomics and posture in various activities.

 

Sports Injuries: Children and adolescents involved in sports may experience injuries such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. Your Myotherapist can provide treatment to facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of recurrent injuries.

 

Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, and Your Myotherapist can work with your child to manage associated muscle imbalances and discomfort through exercises and manual techniques.

 

Osgood-Schlatter Disease: This condition involves inflammation of the growth plate at the front of the knee, often seen in active children. Your Myotherapist can help manage symptoms through techniques aimed at reducing muscle tension around the knee.

 

Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis): Sever's disease is a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel and is common in children involved in sports. Your Myotherapist can provide interventions to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility.

 

Rehabilitation After Fractures or Surgeries: In cases where a child has had a fracture or surgery, your Myotherapist can assist with rehabilitation exercises, scar tissue management, and pain relief.

 

Coordination and Movement Disorders: Some children may have coordination or movement disorders that can benefit from myotherapy, particularly when these issues are related to muscle imbalances or weaknesses.

 

General Musculoskeletal Pain: Children may experience non-specific musculoskeletal pain, and your Myotherapist can help identify and address the underlying causes through a combination of hands-on techniques and exercise programs.