Physiotherapy
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Physiotherapy Checklist:
Not reaching age-appropriate milestones in time e.g. sat late, can’t hop, can’t stand on one leg
Moves inefficiently with increased effort and decreased smoothness or coordination of movement
Movements appear stiff, jerky or uncoordinated
Double jointed (more flexible than normal)
Tight muscles
Clumsy
Frequently falls, trips over own feet, bruising from bumping into things often
Heavy
Poor jumping height, slaps feet on ground when running
Poor variety of movement patterns or posture
Always sits in the same way, can’t adapt activity if something changes unexpectedly
Constantly moving or shifting (Can’t sit still)
Prefers to lie on the floor when playing
Always looking for something to lean on
W-sitting is used most of the time
Tires easily and can’t walk long distances
To be able to make accurate movements is such a natural part of our daily activities that we rarely think of the many acts we perform during development in order to be integrated into social life. Sensory-motor, cognitive, language, emotional, social and perceptual competence are all prerequisites for entry, participation and acceptance into one’s peer group. Children who lack such skills or means often underachieve in their environment, and are frequently socially isolated.
From an early start, activity begins in all planes of movement allowing the child to experience the environment in a three dimensional manner. The quality of early movements is essential because they are the foundation for establishing future movements and skill sets, thereby determining the availability of more complex and variable solutions to problem solving.
Physiotherapy is recommended for those children whose motor abilities are delayed for their age, affecting their ability to function optimally in activities of daily living and causing difficulty with school participation (academically, socially or physically). Physiotherapy addresses the gross motor component of development. Gross motor ability forms the foundation for all other developmental processes.
Good gross motor control is necessary for the development of both fine motor and visual skills. It also impacts on a child’s endurance levels, work speed, confidence and ability to concentrate and focus. Any child that is not keeping up with his peers on a gross motor level should be checked for potential difficulties.
Often, difficulties may become apparent during later years as the skills, volume and speed of work increases in the higher grades. If a child is not showing appropriate physical ability for his/her age, or is showing more than 3 of the following signs and symptoms, a referral to an physiotherapist is recommended.
Our qualified therapists…
Jessica Hawkridge
Qualifications:
- BScPhysiotherapy UCT
Experience:
Jessica completed her BSc (Physiotherapy) at the University of Cape Town in 2017. She went on to do a year’s community service in Waterval Boven, after which she moved straight into the field of paediatric neurodevelopment. Jessica worked at a private practice in Sandton for three years, during which time she completed her Intro to Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT), Adult Bobath, Basic NDT and Test of Infant Motor Performance courses. She was also fortunate to be able to work as a locum in the NICU and PICU at Sandton Mediclinic, treating babies and children with various respiratory conditions. In 2022, Jessica started her own practice, treating babies and young children in and around Bedfordview. She has since completed her Advanced Baby NDT course and her Basic General Movements Assessment course. Jessica joined the TherapyWorx team in February of 2023.
Dianne Zeller
Qualifications:
- Bsc Physiotherapy(Wits)
Experience:
Dianne graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. with a BSc in Physiotherapy in 1992. She co-owned a private orthopaedic practice for 8 years before switching to the field of paediatric neurological physiotherapy where she has been working for 24 years.
She trained as a Paediatric Bobath/NDT therapist in 2003, Qualified as a Physiotherapy Tutor for SANDTA (South African Neurodevelopmental Therapy Association) in 2017 and is involved in the development and presentation of NDT content of all SANDTA Courses.
Dianne is also trained as a MAES therapist (Movement Analysis Education Strategies).
She is currently working at 2 private multidisciplinary centres with a caseload made up predominantly of children with Cerebral Palsy.
Diana Ribeiro
Qualifications:
Diana qualified with a BSc (Physiotherapy) in2010 at Fernando Pessoa University in Portugal
Experience:
Dianaworked at Lusito School for 10 years. Diana joined TherapyWorx in 2020. Shecompleted her NDT basic in 2011 and her advanced NDT in 2015 and has sincecompleted advanced courses in the assessment and treatment of infants
Recently,Diana completed Prectl’smethod on the qualitative assessment.
Kim Wild
Qualifications:
- BSc Physiotherapy (WITS)
Experience:
Kim qualified with a BSc(Physiotherapy) in 2006. Kim developed a special interest in Paediatrics when completing her rotation at Forest Town School.
She was fortunate to complete her community service year at Coronation Woman and Children’s Hospital (2007) where she worked with children in the NICU, medical and surgical wards and developmental therapy.
She worked at Forest Town School from 2007 to 2015 while running her own private practice in the afternoons. Kim joined TherapyWorx in October 2015.Kim completed her Neurodevelopmental Therapy course in 2010 and completed the JP Maes Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy course in 2014. She has most recently completed The Aquatic Paediatric Foundation Course.
Cecilia Thomas
- BSc Physiotherapy (WITS)
GET IN TOUCH WITH US…
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
066 265 9460 | 084 581 5531
therapyworx.physio@gmail.com
