Julia Way (Physiotherapist) and Bev Sexton (Physiotherapy assistant)
A physiotherapist (‘Physio’) helps with movement, to restore movement when a child is affected by injury, illness or disability and to reduce the risk of injury in the future. The impairment may be in the bones, joints or soft tissue, in the nervous system and brain, the heart and circulation or in the lungs and breathing. Problems with neuromuscular development include developmental co-ordination disorder and dyspraxia. These children have more difficulty adapting their behaviour appropriately and thus may have difficulties with academic learning. Fortunately, the brain has the capacity to re-route connections through physiotherapy. Children with pervasive developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy may need a physiotherapist to support themselves in sitting, standing or walking.
Treatment depends on what each child may need and might involve advice and a programme to follow at home, or weekly treatment plus home programme, or perhaps an intensive course of treatment. Physiotherapists also work in a consultative way with schools and teachers, providing advice on reducing risk in daily activities, e.g. lifting a child from a wheelchair.
Our physios also ensure that equipment such as wheelchairs, standing frame, hoists and chairs are regularly checked for suitability and are in good condition, ensuring that all students are kept safe and well whilst using any such equipment.