Pediatric physiotherapy...any experiences?

[mm22bys]

Hi, I have a few concerns about my DS2's development, and while he is being investigated for underlying causes by an opthalmologist and neurologist (including having an MRI scan), I have found some articles on the web indicating that maybe some physiotherapy may be a good idea for him.

Briefly, he was showing signs of poor vision, and head control, but since his initial appt with the opthalmologist he has been followed up and he is now responsive to light, smiles, fixes on and tracks objects, so hopefully his vision is just "delayed" (he'll have further appts in July and September).

He has mediocre head control, and my health visitor has given me some exercises to improve this.

He can't sit unaided, and he can't lift his head when he lies on his stomach.

I think he is "behind" other children his age (six months) I am not sure I am doing enough for him.

Do you have any experience of physiotherapists? How did you find one, and did you self-refer, or could I get referred by my GP (I really don't want to have to wait too long - I don't want to just "wait and see").

I am in east London, but would be prepared to travel to see someone "good".

I'll x-post this to Health and Behaviour and Develpment..

Thx,

[gracej]

Hi. Sorry I cannot help with regards to finding a physio in England. But just wanted to say that it is really fantastic you are being so proactive and wanting to do something now. I only started physio for DS at 12 months I wish I would have started much sooner. It is never too early to start.

[mymatemax]

Hi It sounds as if you have a helpful HV. I have never tried looking for a private physio as my ds has had one since birth but I have heard that private paed physios are hard to come by.
How old is your ds? does it look as if his poor head control is impeding the use of his arms at all? Does he reach out for things? (difficult with vision problems I guess)
Ask your HV or Gp for a referral to a paed Physio for assessment waiting list vary but you may be lucky.
I think there are paed physios on MN i'm sure they will be able to advise.

[Fubsy]

Hi mm22bys - I am one - does that count?

Best bet is to ask your GP to refer. never go straight to private unless youve been told you absolutely will not get seen, and that shouldnt happen.

Where in east London are you? I used to work in Tower Hamlets, good service there.

At your sons age, wouldnt need loads of hands on treatment, but more likely to give you advice on positions to play with him in, ways to stimulate movement and appropriate postures.

You might also get a referral to a Child Development team/Centre, where you would get an assessment from a number of professionals, or see a Paediatrician who would recommend which therapists your son would need to see.

Good luck - Im sure you are doing everything right for him anyway, but sometimes its nice just to have that reinforced for reassurance.

[mm22bys]

Thanks, I am in Tower Hamlets. My health visitor has told me that IF DS2 does need help or assistance that there are very good services here.

I'll see what's said on Monday and go from there.

Thx to all,