Role of a Physiotherapist
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Evidence
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9222162/
Mirari Ochandorena-Acha, Marc Terradas-Monllor, Laura López Sala, Maria Engracia Cazorla Sánchez, Montserrat Fornaguera Marti, Isabel Muñoz Pérez, Thais Agut-Quijano, Martín Iriondo, and Joan Carles Casas-Baroy
The knowledge of early human brain development has evidenced that the high developmental activity in the brain during the second half of gestation induces an increased vulnerability in infants born preterm. Consequently, within their immaturity condition, preterm infants usually show a delay in their motor development. Compared to infants born at term age, premature infants often present lower muscle tone, less movement variability, and higher behavioural complexity.
Education
Paediatric physiotherapists play a vital role in the multidisciplinary team caring for premature and sick infants. Their expertise in movement and development is essential for:
- Promoting Optimal Physical Development: Tailored exercises and interventions to support muscle strength, coordination, and motor skills.
- Supporting Neurodevelopmental Growth: Activities designed to stimulate neurological development and sensory integration.
- Preventing Complications: Implementing strategies to prevent or manage common physical complications associated with prematurity, such as poor posture or delayed motor skills.
You may have started PT when your child was still in NICU to help with their lung function and positioning.
Physiotherapists can help your baby continue to meet their milestones in Physical movement. This might be increasing their tolerance or strength in tummy time, crawling, sitting or rolling!
It is recommended that if your baby is born prematurely, that their development is monitored regularly as they grow. As your baby grows and develops, your physiotherapist will adapt treatment so that it is fun and challenging for your child.
Empowerment
Premature babies are known to reach developmental milestones on average, later than full term babies even if adjusting for corrected age. Developmental delays occur more frequently in children who were born premature or if their medical health or condition at birth was more severe.
As a parent, you are the expert of your child, and you know your child best. Try not to wait if you are having any doubts or concerns about their development. Your paediatrician is a great first point of call if you feel your baby isn’t meeting one or more of their milestones at their corrected age. You can work closely with them to help determine if your child would benefit from additional support from a Physiotherapist.
Useful Links
Pregnancy Birth and Baby
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/growth-and-development-for-premature-babies
Raising Children
https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/physiotherapist
Australian Physiotherapy Association
https://australian.physio/inmotion/five-facts-about-paediatric-physiotherapy
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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