| | | | | that this load-bearing exercise affords. Hydrotherapy |
| · For children in wheelchairs, they can | | | | sessions are staff-intensive, but hugely beneficial to the |
| spend their entire waking day in the same position. For | | | | children. |
| them, stretching, massage and hydrotherapy can be a | | | | |
| welcome break from their wheelchair and can ensure | | | | Keep-fit: Children should be encouraged to make use |
| that they remain as comfortable and as mobile as | | | | of multi-gyms with specially adapted equipment, for |
| possible | | | | example a Motormed exercise bike that can be |
| | | | | pedalled from a wheelchair using either arms, or legs |
| · For physically disabled children who | | | | with therapists on hand to guide and support the |
| suffer from spasms and spasticity (tight muscles) | | | | children. |
| associated with Cerebral Palsy physiotherapy can help | | | | |
| immensely with pain relief | | | | Slim & Trim: Many youngsters have an enforced |
| | | | | sedentary lifestyle and weight-management is an |
| · Children with Muscular Dystrophy are | | | | important part of taking responsibility for their health |
| often reliant on the intervention of chest physiotherapy | | | | and well-being. Slim and trim sessions include a |
| – a helping hand when their bodies become too | | | | weigh-in, advice on nutrition and individual exercise |
| weak to support themselves – chest physio is vital | | | | circuits. |
| in keeping many of these sufferers out of hospital | | | | |
| | | | | Massage & Relaxation: Far from being a luxury, for |
| Many physically disabled children rely on regular | | | | children who suffer from spasms and spasticity, |
| physiotherapy in order to remain well enough to | | | | regular massage can be the most effective route to |
| continue and to enjoy aspects of life to the full. | | | | pain relief. |
| Approaches to physiotherapy for the physically | | | | |
| disabled… | | | | Chest Physio: For those children with Muscular |
| | | | | Dystrophy in particular, on-call access to a Chest |
| Individual programme: Physically disabled children can | | | | Physio is vital to ward off, or aid recovery from colds |
| have individual sessions of stretches and exercises to | | | | and chest infections. |
| keep them supple and comfortable. | | | | |
| | | | | It is important that children with physical disabilities have |
| Hydrotherapy: The swimming pool is a popular place | | | | regular, structured physiotherapy to help them remain |
| for physically disabled children to enjoy freedom from | | | | well enough to enjoy their lives to the full. |
| their wheelchairs and experience the increased mobility | | | | |