Orthopaedic & Congenital Conditions
An orthopaedic condition is a physical problem affecting bones, muscles, ligaments and joints or the musculoskeletal system. There are many types of orthopaedic issues, some can develop, but many are congenital. They vary widely from mild to very serious and even life-threatening. Some conditions go away on their own, while others require extensive treatment.
Scoliosis & Postural Concerns
Scoliosis in children is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A spine affected by more significant scoliosis will either look C-shaped or S-shaped, making it appear like the person is leaning to one side. Scoliosis can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty breathing in children. It is most common in kids with neuromuscular conditions like Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy because of muscle weakness and imbalance.
Signs of scoliosis may include: one shoulder blade higher than the other, one hip higher and more predominant than the other, ribcage is prominent on one side, child leans to one side.
CYP can help!
We have a lot of experience in treating children with scoliosis. Our goal is to help manage symptoms so your child can enjoy their life and the activities they love. Treatment may involve strengthening exercises, muscle stretching, advice on positioning, functional exercise all of which can help to correct muscle imbalance, reduce pain, lengthen muscles and enhance independence.
In severe cases, some children may require surgical correction. Working in collaboration with the surgical team, we can provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for children following spinal surgery.
Toe Walking
Toe walking is a pattern of walking where a child walks on the balls of their feet and their heels do not touch the ground. It is common in toddlers learning to walk. Most kids grow out of it, but it can be hard to predict who will and who won’t. An assessment is important to determine if toe walking is a sign of a condition of concern.
Possible causes of toe walking include musculoskeletal issues (muscle shortening), neurological conditions (cerebral palsy), or developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorders), but there will be other signs and symptoms of these conditions if they are causing the toe walking.
CYP can help!
Treatment for toe walking focuses on preventing complications such as tightness and pain. Our physiotherapists work on stretches to prevent or treat muscle tightness, exercises to strengthen any weakness, and strategies for improving gait pattern and balance.
Sometimes the use of orthotics or special shoes may be used to encourage a heel-toe walking pattern.
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder. Individuals with EDS demonstrate defects in the body’s connective tissues, which changes the strength, elasticity, integrity, and healing properties of the tissues. The severity of the syndrome varies greatly depending on the mutation; however, all forms show signs of hypermobility related issues.
It is normal for young children to be flexible, but as they get older, the muscles and joints should tighten up to provide protection during more challenging movement activities. Children who remain excessively bendy often experience poor core stability, poor co-ordination or pain whilst exercising. This leads to an increased risk of sustaining injuries.
CYP can help!
Exercise is the cornerstone of treatment for EDS. Our team will build specialized exercise programs to increase muscle strength, promote joint stability and develop postural control. Your physiotherapist may also advise on pain management and bracing to promote stability and improved function.
Juvenile Arthritis (JA)
Juvenile Arthritis is the general name given to describe many different conditions that cause joint swelling in children under age 16. It is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis because its cause is unknown. Children with JA will most often experience joint swelling, pain, and stiffness in the knees, hands or feet. Other symptoms may include increased tenderness, recurring fever or a limp without injury.
CYP can help!
If your child is showing signs of Juvenile Arthritis, our team has the experience to assess and treat symptoms to help reduce pain and stiffness, while preventing long term joint and muscle damage. Our physiotherapists will suggest activities that keep your child’s joints flexible and muscles strong. This is important for maintaining mobility and can help reduce arthritis pain. Exercises may be prescribed to help keep joints moving well, while hot or cold therapy, ultrasound and splints or orthotics may help with pain relief and maintaining normal bone and joint growth.
Other Orthopaedic & Congenital Conditions:
Arthrogryposis, Blount’s Disease, Club Foot, “Curly Toes”, Hip Dysplasia, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Dermatomyositis, Enthesitis), Legge Perthes Disease, Metatarsus Adductus, Osteochondritis Dissecans, Postural Kyphosis, Scheuermann’s Disease, Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis, Tethered Spinal Cord, Transient Synovitis