What to Expect at Your Child’s First Physiotherapy Session

Navigating medical appointments for your child can often feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time seeing a physiotherapist. You might have concerns about the questions that will be asked, the procedures involved, or how your child will react. Understanding the process can help alleviate these worries and make the experience smoother for both you and your child. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect during your child’s initial physiotherapy session.

1. Introduction and History Taking

The initial session serves as an opportunity for both you and your child to meet the physiotherapist and establish a rapport. The therapist will begin by collecting detailed information about your child’s health and developmental history. This includes:

Pregnancy and Birth History: Information about the pregnancy and birth can offer valuable insights into your child’s early development and health.
Developmental Milestones: The therapist will inquire about key developmental stages, such as when your child first rolled over, crawled, or walked. Being prepared with this information can help the session proceed more smoothly.
Medical History: Expect questions about past hospitalizations, surgeries, diagnoses, and the medical professionals involved in your child’s care.
Family History: The therapist may ask about any relevant family medical conditions to understand potential hereditary factors.

2. Physical Assessment

Once the history-taking is complete, the physiotherapist will conduct a physical assessment. This involves:

Range of Motion: Evaluating your child’s joint flexibility.
Muscle Strength and Reflexes: Assessing muscle function and reflex responses.
Observational Tasks: The therapist will observe your child performing various movements and developmental milestones, such as rolling, crawling, walking, running, and ball skills. This helps in assessing how your child’s body functions and identifies areas that may need attention.

3. Planning and Goal Setting

After completing the assessment, the therapist will discuss a tailored therapy plan. This includes:

Concerns and Goals: Addressing any concerns you or the therapist may have and setting specific, achievable goals for therapy. Clear goals help in focusing the therapy sessions and measuring progress.
Involvement: If appropriate, involve your child in setting their own goals to enhance their engagement and ownership of the therapy process.

4. Treatment Plan and Logistics

The session will conclude with a discussion on:

Treatment Frequency: Establishing how often your child will need to attend sessions.
Funding: Reviewing any financial considerations or insurance details.
Questions and Concerns: You’ll have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions or discuss any concerns you might have.

Preparing for the Session

To ensure the session goes smoothly:

Comfort Items: Bring along your child’s favorite snack or toy to help them feel more at ease.
Stay Calm: It’s normal for children to feel uneasy about meeting a new person or undergoing assessments. The therapist will work with your child to make them comfortable, and any assessments that can’t be completed initially can be addressed in future sessions as trust builds.

Being well-prepared can help make your child’s first physiotherapy session a positive experience. If you have any specific questions or concerns, having a list prepared can help ensure you cover all necessary points during your appointment.

We hope this guide helps you feel more informed and less anxious about the process.