|
‘’Optimal
physical development is vital for physical and mental growth, general
health and well-being’’
Physiotherapy involves assessing, treating and managing children and adults
who have a general developmental delay, disorder of movement or a
disability or illness which may be improved, controlled or alleviated by
physiotherapeutic skills and/or the use of specialized equipment. We
provide physiotherapy services to the following areas:-
1. Early Intervention Services
2. Children Services
3. Adult Services
EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICE
Early intervention consists in the provision of services to children aged
0-6 and their families for the purpose of lessening the effects of the Neuro-Muscular Disorders and Developmental
Disabilities. Early intervention can be remedial or preventive in nature
re-mediating existing developmental problems or preventing their
occurrence. We provide early intervention programs based in the
physiotherapy department or home or a combination of the above.
Provide Intensive physiotherapy to improve the condition or control and
prevent worsening of the symptoms or disorders.
CHILDREN SERVICES
The Physiotherapist provides a service to children 6-18 years who attend
the Holy Family School
on a regular basis and also provide a detailed Physio Programme for
teachers/staff on how to use standing frame or positioning in the class
room. A Physiotherapy service is also provided to children attending
mainstream Schools.
We provide assessment, treatment and manage to prevent further physical
problems. Orthotic and appliance services are provided to children who need
special shoes, insole arch support, splints, walker and standing frame
etc.
ADULT SERVICES
The Physiotherapist provides specialist input in the form of assessment,
diagnosis, advice and education to patients to restore maximum physical
function and independence, prevent dysfunction and promote health and
well-being. Based on the referral the Physiotherapist will do assessments
and plan a Programme (if required), which could involve any of the
following:
• Planned treatment intervention (where applicable), which will be
monitored, reassessed and updated
• Written Programme of positional changes and stretches where
applicable at various homes, day centers and workshop
• Advice regarding appropriate equipment needs (if indicated)
including seating, wedges, tilt table and walking aids
• Orthotic needs via a regular review by physiotherapist
• Wheelchair needs in consultation with the Occupational Therapist
• Advice to staff
4.
Responsibilities and Activities
- Assist in early detection
of health problems and use a wide variety of modalities to treat
disorders.
- Specialize in diagnosis,
treatment and management of infants and children with a variety of
congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal or acquired
disorders/disease.
- Focus treatment on
improving gross motor skills, balance and co-ordination, strength and
endurance as well as cognitive and sensory processing/integration.
- Promote and assist integration
of children with extra needs into the community.
- Develop therapy programs.
- Make equipment or Orthotic
suggestions.
5.
Services
- Assessment, consultation
and intervention to promote children's functional independence.
- Individual goal planning for
each child.
- Assistance in identifying
special equipment that may be beneficial and help obtaining this
equipment.
- Referral to and liaison
with other team members or services as appropriate.
5.1 Orthotic Service
Regular Orthotic clinic (once a month) will be organized in the
physiotherapy department for New Assessment, Reviews or follow ups and
Fittings. Referrals will be accepted from Parents, Teachers and other
Professionals.
5.2 Hydrotherapy
Service
Physiotherapists provide hands on and consultative services to address the
functional and physical needs of the individual. Individuals with physical,
neurological and developmental concerns will benefit from the therapeutic
qualities of the water. Hydrotherapy promotes relaxation, body awareness,
allows the individual to experience a more normal pattern of movement and
promotes overall balance and position sense. Hydrotherapy will reduce
gravity, decrease pain, increase strength and endurance; improve circulation,
increase attention span, concentration and confidence.
- Evaluation
- Individual Therapy
- Equipment Recommendations
- Family/Care Giver Training
Where are
Services Delivered?
Services are provided mainly on campus in the Physiotherapy department of St. Joseph’s
Foundation also a physiotherapy service can be delivered in the home or a
combination of both. The Hydrotherapy service is also provided on campus by
St. Joseph's
Foundation.
Note:
Physiotherapists do both observations based and standardized evaluations.
Physiotherapists evaluate the individual and create a plan to help them to
reach their goals. Physiotherapists offer one on one therapy to help people
with disabilities work towards attaining individualized long- term goals.
Referrals for Hydrotherapy Services at St. Joseph’s Foundation are
accepted from the Manager of Children Services and Manager of Adult
Services or Schools and Families.
How to Access a Physiotherapist
Open
referral system, any parent or professional with a concern about service
users can call the centre or therapist to arrange for a screening. All new
referrals are accepted and will go through the Manager of Children Services
or Social Workers and then appropriate action will be discussed.
|
