Physiotherapy

Main Objectives

To improve each learner’s functional participation optimally during:

• Everyday activities.
• Classroom activities.
• Games (e.g. with friends, playground, etc).
• Sport.

Candidates for Physiotherapy

All learners presenting with physical problems, for e.g. Cerebral Palsy, Physical barriers and certain learners with minimal neurological dysfunction and developmental co-ordination disorder (i.e. balance, co-ordination, concentration, motor and / or perceptual barriers).

Therapeutic Intervention

A combination of treatment modalities can also be used:

• Individual sessions (frequency is determined by the severity of the dysfunction / barriers)
• Group sessions (Learners with similar barriers are grouped together. Maximum learners in a specific group = 6)
• Teamwork: Consultations with Teachers, other therapeutic services, parents, hostel staff, etc.
• Liasing with Medical people, e.g. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthotic / Prosthetic splints, appliances.
• Home programs.

Physiotherapy Techniques / Treatment modalities

• Neuro developmental therapy (NDT) : Cerebral Palsy
• Rehabilitation (Physically disabled and Developmental co-ordination disorder
• Electrotherapy: Laser, Ultrasound for Injuries, Skin conditions, Blood circulation problems etc.
• Post-surgery treatment.
• Respiratory Physiotherapy: Lung conditions.
• Apparatus / Equipment / Splints: Education and supervision in the correct use there of.
• Seating

Assessments

• The physiotherapist forms an integral part of the multidisciplinary / trans professional assessment team for the assessment done on each and every one of the “new” learners.
• After admittance to the school, a more in depth assessment is done.
• Those learners who have already been receiving physiotherapy, will be re-assessed at regular intervals, and aims of treatment and therapy techniques / modalities can be adjusted accordingly.

Orthopaedic Clinics

Learners who require orthopaedic attention, e.g. splints, assistive devices and/or surgery, are seen by the visiting orthopaedic surgeon and/or orthotist/prosthetist. The orthopaedic clinic is arranged once a month by the physiotherapists. The relevant physiotherapist is also present during these consultations and, where possible, the parents of the learner.

Liasing with Medici (eg. Orthopaedic surgery, splints, aids, etc.)