Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists who work with children with an acquired brain injury are involved in the assessment and management of physical difficulties relating to brain injury. Such difficulties may include:

• Reduced mobility, balance and coordination.
• Reduced muscle strength and control.
• Weakness or paralysis.
• Tightness of muscles or restriction of movement.
• Decreased fitness.
• Pain.
• Problems arising from other injuries that may have been sustained (eg. fractures/injury of the limbs).

The aim of physiotherapy intervention is to assist and maximise physical recovery. Physiotherapy also aims to minimise the effects of any altered movement patterns on the muscles, bones and joints of a growing child.

In the initial stages following a brain injury, physiotherapy for an injured child can include a variety of interventions. These may include:

• Chest physiotherapy to keep the child's lungs clear.
• Splinting and casting of limbs to help muscles maintain their length and to prevent loss of range of movement.
• Individualised therapy and exercise to facilitate relearning of movement skills such as sitting balance, standing up and walking.
• Specific activities to facilitate the recovery of balance and coordination.
• Use of gym equipment (eg. treadmill, exercise bike) and fitness training.
• Hydrotherapy (exercise in water).
• Recommendations and supply of specialised equipment for the child, such as foot splints or walking aids.

Once the child has been discharged from hospital, ongoing outpatient Physiotherapy will be arranged if needed. This therapy is an extension and progression of the therapy the child received whilst an inpatient. Physiotherapy at this point may include similar interventions as listed above, as well as offering assistance in returning to school and recreational activities. For children who sustain their brain injury at a very young age, extra assistance may be required to facilitate motor development as they grow.

Children living in the hospital catchment area may continue to receive outpatient services through The Children's Hospital at Westmead Rehabilitation Department. Children living outside of this area (including rural areas) will be referred to the appropriate local service and can continue to receive input from the Brain Injury Service Physiotherapist on a consultative basis.