Understanding the importance of physiotherapy in children with delayed development

The development of motor skills in your child is the foundation for both their physical and cognitive development. 

In many forms of developmental differences, motor milestones may unfold at a different pace than expected. Observing gaps in motor abilities should not be seen as a deficit, but rather as an opportunity to provide extra support. With the right tools and guidance, children can be encouraged to progress along their growth curve, and some milestones that seemed missed can often be nurtured and achieved over time.

Hence, early intervention through physiotherapy must be sorted out to fill gaps in motor milestone development as early as possible. This intervention will be reflected as visible changes in your child’s functional skills as they grow older.

In this video, Ms. Lakshmi, a physiotherapist in the Latika Roy Foundation tries to answer some common questions around physiotherapy.

What is Physiotherapy?

It is an area that focuses and works on the physical movement and function of the body. Through different exercises and a specialized approach, it works to improve the different physical activities of the child like neck control, standing, balancing, walking as well as important Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like going to the toilet, bathing and eating.

How do I know if my child needs physiotherapy?

Parents can seek help when they observe that the child has missed major developmental milestones. It is important to remember that every child is different and they develop at a different pace. When a child takes longer to develop certain motor skills at a given age, it can gently signal that other areas of growth may also need extra support and attention.

Most children learn to hold their neck by 3-5 months and can start to sit by 8-10 months of age. Some can also start walking anywhere between 12-18 months of age. However, when children show  signs of significant delays in these major milestones, parents should seek help from a physiotherapist to address any concern that the child may have.

A physiotherapist may then help by suggesting some exercises that work by helping them achieve the said motor milestones.

Are there certain disabilities where physiotherapy is more important than others?

Physiotherapy works mostly by improving muscle strength and joint flexibility. Its use is seen in conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, global developmental delay and microcephaly to name a few. Significant delays in milestones are observed in these conditions. Physiotherapy works to strengthen the muscles, thereby helping the child improve their motor skills.

Seeking support early often helps children experience positive changes sooner, leading to stronger and more lasting outcomes.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for safe management.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

Getting a child to participate in therapy can be stressful for the child. Learn how to use the medium of play to engage them in physiotherapy