Pediatric Physical Therapy
Why Choose Pediatric Physical Therapy at GC Haarlemmermeer?
Children learn through play. By moving and playing, children develop their senses and motor skills. Some children experience delayed or atypical development. This may be due to a condition affecting the senses, organs, nervous system, or musculoskeletal system. As a result, these children may not gain enough motor experience. They need more practice to master a particular skill. All of these children can benefit from treatment by a pediatric physical therapist.
After completing their physical therapy training, geriatric physical therapists have gone on to earn an additional master’s degree that focuses on the assessment and treatment of older adults. Geriatric physical therapists have completed additional training to provide specialized physical therapy care to older adults.
Geriatric physical therapists and physical therapists specializing in geriatrics are both trained not only to alleviate the patient’s symptoms but also to assess the extent to which their home environment affects those symptoms. This enables patients to live at home longer. They primarily work with patients on exercises designed to help them regain mobility and independence or cope with a loss thereof. The therapy often consists of practicing and training the (daily) activities that cause problems. The geriatric physical therapist also makes regular home visits, because treating and training older adults in their own living environment is crucial for maintaining independence.
Geriatric physical therapists and physical therapists specializing in care for the elderly also advise and support family members and any informal caregivers regarding the condition, prognosis, treatment, daily activities, and assistive devices.
What is the difference between a general physical therapist and a pediatric physical therapist?
The pediatric physical therapist specializes in the motor function of children and adolescents between the ages of 0 and 18. Each age group has its own unique motor development. After completing their physical therapy training, pediatric physical therapists go on to earn a four-year master’s degree in pediatric physical therapy.
When is a child referred to pediatric physical therapy?
Indications for pediatric physical therapy include:
- In infants
- motor development delay
- preferred posture, sometimes with the head flattened
- restlessness, frequent crying, or wriggling
- sliding on your butt
- move differently
- difficulty standing or walking
- For toddlers and preschoolers
- falling and tripping a lot
- fear of moving, difficulty climbing and scrambling
- problems with gross motor skills (such as standing on one leg)
- little variety in physical activity or repetitive physical activity
- fine motor skills challenges, such as coloring within the lines or doing crafts
- At elementary school age
- delays in motor skills such as riding a bike, running, ball skills, hopping, and jumping
- difficulty with fine motor skills, writing, or arts and crafts
- clumsiness, bumping into or colliding with things
- difficulty sitting still and/or concentrating
- physical symptoms: headaches, back pain, or pain in the arms or legs; sports injuries
- being overweight combined with a lack of exercise
- respiratory problems
- rehabilitation following fractures and/or surgeries
- congenital abnormalities / neurological abnormalities
- sensory processing issues (e.g., difficulty sitting still and/or concentrating)
- DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
- postural problems (slouching / poor body awareness)
- fear of movement
- For Adolescents and Young Adults:
- difficulty writing
- problems with gross motor skills (such as catching and running)
- physical symptoms
- (sports) injuries
- headache symptoms
- being overweight combined with a lack of physical activity
- respiratory problems
- rehabilitation following fractures or surgery
- postural problems (slouching / poor body awareness)
For more information on treating headaches in children, please visit our page on the paramedical headache treatment center.
How does a pediatric physical therapist work?
Through an initial assessment, examination, and standardized tests, the
pediatric physical therapist gains a comprehensive understanding of the child’s motor skills. Parents, teachers, the family doctor, and other involved parties play a key role in this process. They provide information on how the child behaves in various situations. The therapist discusses the findings and develops a treatment plan.
How is it treated?
The treatment is designed to enhance the child’s motor development potential. The goal is to help the child function more effectively in their physical and social environment. Functional aspects play a central role in the treatment. The exercise equipment has been specially developed for children and is intended to increase their enjoyment of movement and target specific motor functions.
The duration of treatment naturally depends on the nature and severity of the condition and the patient’s needs. Sometimes, advice alone is sufficient—for example, guidance on posture or exercise. In cases of chronic conditions, treatment may take longer.
If necessary, treatment can also take place at home. This is often the case for children aged 0 to 2, or children with severe disabilities.
Pediatric Physical Therapy at School
Pediatric physical therapy is offered at school to treat motor skills issues (gross and fine motor skills) or sensory processing difficulties within the child’s learning environment.
The school-based treatment program fosters effective collaboration between the teacher, the school counselor, and the pediatric physical therapist.
At the parents’ initiative, or following a recommendation from the school, the parents register their child with the GC Haarlemmermeer practice. An appointment is scheduled with the parents for an intake interview, which the child attends. A referral letter from the family doctor is required for treatment at school. At least one parent and the child must be present at the intake interview; treatment at school can then begin. During the intake interview, an appointment is immediately scheduled for a follow-up evaluation, and a treatment agreement is signed. During school breaks, treatment continues at GC Floriande. No assessment or treatment will be initiated without parental consent. Additionally, no screening will take place in classrooms to assess the class’s motor skills.
We have a partnership with De Optimist Elementary School and Community School “in de Breedte” (De Brandaris and Klavertje Vier).
Pediatric physical therapy at a daycare center or medical care center:
The pediatric physical therapists also work at MOC ‘t Kabouterhuis in Hoofddorp and KDV de Boshoeve in Nieuw Vennep. There, they collaborate closely with the child’s primary care provider and other professionals working at the facility.
Pediatric physical therapists
Are you looking for an experienced pediatric physical therapist in Hoofddorp who specializes in sensory integration? Our pediatric physical therapists can help your child with his or her development.
Catalijn Brandjes
- Pediatric Physical Therapist, M.S., and Sensory Integration Therapist specializing in fine motor skills
- BIG No.: 49918571404
- Floriande
Nathalie Keijzerswaard-Rooijers
- Pediatric Physical Therapist, M.S., and Sensory Integration Therapist specializing in orthopedics
- BIG No.: 69914318304
- Floriande and Drie Meren
Michelle Koopman
- Pediatric Physical Therapist, M.S., and Sensory Integration Therapist specializing in Headaches
- BIG No.: 39911456804
- Floriande