Paediatric Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

26/09/2025

✨ When Tiny Beginnings Become Mighty Stories ✨

A lot of people believe that medical care in the NICU is only about machines, tubes, monitors… but there’s something gentle & extraordinary happening too — Pediatric Physical Therapy.

💬 What it really means for your baby & for you:

Every tiny touch, stretch, and positioning isn’t just about where their arms or legs go — it’s about helping their brain connect, their muscles learn, and their body feel safe.

When parents learn how to hold, soothe, or move their baby in ways that respond to what the baby needs, magic happens: bonding deepens, stress lowers, hope grows.

This isn’t just early help. It’s a long-term investment: better sleep, better feeding, better movement – which means fewer struggles later and more joy now.

🔍 Why this matters more than you might think:

Babies born early or with medical challenges often skip out on experiences that full-term babies get in utero: gentle movement, cozy containment, rhythmic calm. PT helps recreate safe ways for them to grow those skills.

Early therapy helps reduce risks of delays or difficulties with crawling, walking, posture, feeding, and even emotional regulation.

For YOU as parents, being involved in your baby’s therapy gives knowledge, confidence, and connection — you become an active part of the healing.

🌟 Because even the tiniest hands can change the shape of a child’s future.

19/09/2025

🌟 Is Your Baby Tilting Their Head? It Could Be Torticollis 🌟

If you’ve noticed your little one tilting their head to one side or having trouble turning their neck, it might be a condition called Torticollis. This happens when the muscles in the neck tighten, and while it sounds scary, it’s actually quite common in babies and can be treated with simple exercises.

👶 Signs to Watch For:

Head tilting to one side

Difficulty turning their head in one direction

Preference for looking or turning towards one side

💪 How to Help:

Gentle stretching and positioning exercises (your pediatric physical therapist can show you how!)

Holding your baby in different positions to encourage neck movement

Early intervention can lead to great results!

If you suspect torticollis, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatric physical therapist. They can guide you on how to help your baby feel better!

🩺 Remember: Early treatment makes a big difference in your baby’s comfort and development. Share this with other parents who might find it helpful! 😊

12/09/2025

29/08/2025

🧠✨ BUILDING PROPRIOCEPTION IN KIDS
— Tips from a Pediatric Physical Therapist —

Proprioception is your child’s “body sense”—their ability to know where their body is in space without looking. It plays a key role in balance, coordination, and motor skills.

👣 Kids with underdeveloped proprioception may seem clumsy, constantly seek hugs or pressure, or have trouble with fine motor tasks.

🛠️ Here are simple ways to boost proprioceptive input:

✅ Heavy Work Activities
➡️ Pushing/pulling laundry baskets
➡️ Carrying groceries or backpacks
➡️ Animal walks (bear crawl, crab walk)

✅ Resistance Play
➡️ Tug-of-war with a towel
➡️ Playdough, putty, or squeezing stress balls
➡️ Climbing playground equipment

✅ Deep Pressure
➡️ Weighted blankets or lap pads (with supervision)
➡️ Firm hugs, rolling in a blanket ("burrito wrap")

✅ Jumping & Crashing
➡️ Jumping on a trampoline
➡️ Crashing into a pillow pile
➡️ Hopscotch or jumping games

📌 Proprioceptive activities are calming and organizing for the nervous system. They're great before school, homework, or bedtime!

🧡 Not sure if your child needs more support? A pediatric PT can help assess and guide individualized activities.

22/08/2025

👣 Your child’s first steps are just the beginning of an exciting journey! 🌟To build balance, strength, and confidence, make walking a fun adventure:✔️ Let them explore different surfaces (carpet, grass, foam mats)✔️ Create playful obstacle paths for safe challenges 🧸✔️ Encourage movement that sparks independence & coordination 💪Every little step is both progress and play! 💜

01/08/2025

👣 Toe Walking in Children — Should You Be Concerned? 🚸

Is your child walking on their toes most of the time? While occasional toe walking is common in toddlers just learning to walk, persistent toe walking beyond the age of 2–3 may need further attention.

🔍 Possible causes of toe walking:

Habitual walking pattern (idiopathic)

Tight calf muscles (Achilles tendon)

Sensory processing issues

Neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder

👩‍⚕️ How Pediatric Physical Therapy Helps:
✅ Stretching tight muscles
✅ Strengthening leg and core muscles
✅ Balance and posture training
✅ Gait retraining with fun, play-based activities
✅ Parent guidance for home strategies

💡 Early support can make a big difference in preventing long-term issues like joint pain, balance problems, or poor posture.

🧠 Tip for parents: Keep an eye on how often and how long your child toe walks — patterns matter!

📌 Don’t panic — but do ask questions. Early assessment can help your child walk, run, and grow with confidence!

26/07/2025

🦴 Juvenile Arthritis (JA): What Every Parent Should Know 🌈
👶 By a Pediatric Physical Therapist

Did you know? Juvenile Arthritis affects 1 in every 1,000 children under the age of 16. It’s not just an “adult” condition – kids can get arthritis too! But early recognition and proper support can make a big difference.

🔍 What is Juvenile Arthritis?
Juvenile Arthritis is an umbrella term for several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in children that cause joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.

🧒 Common Signs Parents Should Look For:
✔️ Morning joint stiffness
✔️ Swollen knees, hands, or ankles
✔️ Limping without pain
✔️ Reluctance to play, run, or climb
✔️ Unexplained fatigue or irritability
✔️ Eye redness or blurred vision (in some cases)

🧠 Why Movement Matters
As pediatric physical therapists, we focus on:
✅ Maintaining joint mobility and strength
✅ Preventing joint deformities
✅ Improving posture, balance, and overall function
✅ Helping kids stay active safely and confidently!

💪 Our goal: To keep your child moving, learning, and thriving—without fear or pain.

👨‍👩‍👧 What You Can Do
🌿 Encourage gentle activities like swimming or cycling
🧊 Use warm compresses for stiffness, cold for swelling
📅 Keep regular follow-ups with your care team
🧘 Focus on emotional support – it’s just as important!

📌 Early intervention = Better outcomes.
If you notice signs, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor and ask about physical therapy—it’s a game-changer in long-term care.

🔗 Learn more:

https://www.arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/arthritis-types-(a-z)/types/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/arthritis.html

📣 Let’s raise awareness for Juvenile Arthritis Month and support our little warriors! 💙

16/07/2025

👣 Is Your Little One Ready to Take Their First Steps?
Walking is a huge milestone—but every child gets there in their own time! While some may walk by 12 months, others might take a little longer. Here are some simple, effective tips to support your baby on this exciting journey! 🍼🚶‍♀️

💡 Tips to Encourage Walking:

Tummy Time Builds Strength
Strong core and leg muscles start with tummy time. Start early and often!
👉 Tip: Make it fun with toys and face-to-face interaction.

Let Them Go Barefoot at Home
Bare feet help babies grip the ground and feel where they are in space, building balance and confidence.

Cruising is Key
Encourage side-stepping along furniture. This helps them practice weight shifting and stability.

Use Push Toys, Not Walkers
Push toys (like a baby shopping cart) build confidence safely. Avoid walkers—they can delay walking and increase injury risk.

Place Toys Just Out of Reach
Motivate movement by placing a favorite toy or snack a few steps away to encourage standing and stepping.

Lots of Praise, Not Pressure
Celebrate small wins—like pulling to stand or taking a step—without pushing them. Confidence grows with encouragement!

03/07/2025

🚨 PTSD in Children: A Hidden Struggle 🚨

Did you know that about 4% of children under 18 experience trauma that can lead to PTSD? Of those affected, 7% of girls and 2% of boys develop the disorder. 😔

PTSD in children can show up in many ways:

Flashbacks or nightmares

Mood swings and irritability

Avoidance of trauma reminders

Sleep difficulties or nightmares

Behavioral changes like withdrawal or acting out

It's crucial for children to get the support they need, and early intervention can make all the difference. Therapy, understanding, and a safe environment are key to healing. 🧠💙

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.

24/06/2025

🧠 Bilateral Coordination in Kids – Why It Matters! 🤲👣

Ever noticed your child using both hands to tie shoes or both feet to climb stairs? That’s bilateral coordination — when both sides of the body work together smoothly. It’s a key sign that both sides of the brain are communicating well! 💬🧠

This skill is essential for:
✅ Writing
✅ Dressing
✅ Sports & play
✅ Everyday independence

💡 Try this at home: Let your child use both hands to roll playdough or pass a ball side-to-side. Fun AND brain-boosting! 🎉

📣 Have you noticed any challenges or wins with your child’s coordination? Share below! 👇

16/06/2025

👶✨ Sensory Break Ideas for Kids – A Must for Better Focus and Regulation! ✨👶

As parents, we often notice our kids becoming overwhelmed, fidgety, or having meltdowns during daily routines — whether it’s during homework, long car rides, or even family dinners. These could be signs that your child needs a sensory break!

🧠💡 What is a Sensory Break?
A sensory break is a short, structured activity that helps children regulate their sensory systems. It can calm them down, wake them up, or simply help them re-focus.

These are especially helpful for children who are neurodivergent (like those with ADHD, Autism, or Sensory Processing Disorder), but every child can benefit from them!

⸻

🎯 Here are some easy and effective sensory break ideas:

🔹 Jumping Jacks or Star Jumps – Great for releasing excess energy
🔹 Wall Push-Ups – Builds body awareness and calming pressure
🔹 Animal Walks (Bear walk, Crab walk, Frog jumps) – Fun and grounding
🔹 Weighted Blanket or Deep Pressure Hugs – Calming for overwhelmed kids
🔹 Stretching/Yoga Poses (like Child’s Pose or Downward Dog) – Relaxes both body and mind
🔹 Chewy snacks (licorice, carrots, gum) – Good oral sensory input
🔹 Swinging, Rocking, or Bouncing on a Therapy Ball – Regulates the vestibular system
🔹 Playdough or Stress Balls – Keeps little hands busy and minds focused
🔹 Listening to calming music or white noise – Eases auditory overload
🔹 Sensory bins (rice, beans, sand, etc.) – Engages tactile senses

⸻

🕒 How Often?
Try incorporating short sensory breaks every 30–60 minutes during learning or high-demand activities. Even 5–10 minutes can make a big difference!

💬 Tip for Parents: Keep a “sensory toolbox” ready — fill it with items like fidget toys, chewy necklaces, soft fabrics, and more, so your child can take charge of their own regulation.

👩‍👧‍👦 Supporting your child’s sensory needs isn’t just helpful — it’s empowering. Try out a few of these and see what works best for your little one!

👉 Save this post and share it with other parents who might find it helpful. Let’s create a more sensory-aware world, one break at a time 💛

04/06/2025

Paediatric Physical Therapy Training and Residency Program
This program was started by Dr Zehra Habib in 2017 with a vision in mind “to train therapists in paediatrics” keeping in mind the shortage and dire need of paediatric physical therapists in a LMIC like Pakistan.