If your child has hypermobility, you should be aware of the many benefits of physical therapy on your child’s mobility. Joint pain and sprains are common issues that children with hypermobility may face, and you should also be aware of some of the symptoms your child may be experiencing. Below are some of the essential benefits of pediatric physiotherapy for your child.
paediatric physiotherapy helps in Strength building
Pediatric physiotherapy with your child with hypermobility involves strength-building exercises that can improve muscle strength. Children have a lot of muscle weakness these days because of our modern lifestyle, which doesn’t include regular exercise. It is essential to encourage your child to practice the exercises by using an age-appropriate reward system, such as star charts. Children who are not motivated to work on their strengths will likely quit the program. You may check this link to get the best solution for your child.
paediatric physiotherapy-Improved posture
One of the key benefits of strengthening the muscles around the joints is improved posture. Strengthening muscles will help children with hypermobile joints develop more efficient postures. Although children with hypermobility often have difficulty exercising, they must persevere despite the pain. Children with joint hypermobility are more likely to damage their joints, so they need exercise. Strengthening the muscles around these joints can help them move better, improve their posture, and develop overall fitness.
Early recognition and appropriate treatment of symptoms may prevent unnecessary drug therapy.
Children with generalised joint hypermobility have a higher risk of sustaining injuries, such as sprains or broken bones.
Therapists working with these children must be cautious with their patients due to their increased sensitivity to overuse and trauma. The therapeutic exercises should target postural awareness, joint protection, and muscular balance, and they will also assess symptoms of pain. These home exercises should be progressive and continuous, and these exercises should be incorporated into your child’s daily routine.
Relieve pain and increase mobility
During physiotherapy sessions, the pediatric therapist may prescribe exercises to relieve pain and increase mobility. Some of these exercises include manual therapy, taping, and pool exercise. In some cases, children with HSD may be sensitive to pain or fatigue and need assistance repeating them. Parental supervision or supervised exercise will help the child feel better and less frustrated.
Help prevent the development of these chronic conditions.
Unlike other forms of hypermobility, which have no known cause, pediatric physiotherapy for children with hypermobility may help prevent the development of these chronic conditions. This type of therapy is an excellent way to help children overcome hypermobility issues. Expert guidance from a trained physiotherapist can help you understand which exercises are vital to supporting your child’s mobility and strength. If your child experiences pain and fatigue from repeated joint/ligament injuries, it may signify an underlying condition known as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).
Increased the likelihood of exercise adherence.
A recent study investigated the effect of targeted and generalised physiotherapy on children with symptomatic hypermobility. Parents and children were recruited in a prospective, randomised design. Children in the targeted group were more likely to comply with the exercise program, and parental motivation increased the likelihood of exercise adherence. Other factors influencing exercise adherence included parental knowledge, lack of commitment to the exercises, and time constraints. This research provides essential normative and methodological information about the effectiveness of pediatric physiotherapy for children with hypermobility.
Children with joint hypermobility are likely to benefit from activities that promote neuromuscular control and pain-free movement. High-impact physical activities should be limited, such as playing sports, as they may increase joint hypermobility. Patients with hypermobility should also be discouraged from performing repetitive tasks or activities that cause pain. These exercises should be done with the supervision of a qualified pediatric physiotherapist. The program’s goal is to improve the quality of life for children with hypermobility and their parents.
Aside from reducing pain, physiotherapy can improve muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Additionally, the condition may improve a child’s ability to face challenges and improve their overall health. The key to treatment is targeted fitness training, and the physiotherapist will help develop strength, balance, and endurance.
The effectiveness of these sessions depends on the severity of hypermobility in each child. Some children may experience chronic joint pain or inflammation that makes exercise difficult or impossible. Joint hypermobility in children can also impair coordination and lead to clumsiness. Other symptoms can include pain in the wrist or lower arm and reduced stamina. Pain in the affected joint can interfere with writing and reduce proprioception.
