What sets us apart from others is our holistic
and multi-disciplinary approach to therapy

Physiotherapy

Paediatric physiotherapy at Footprints aims to help improve gross motor skills and mobility, working towards competence in sitting, standing, walking and, later, more refined gross motor skills – jumping, running, skipping.

Our physiotherapists work with each child to improve range of motion, to build strength and endurance and improve balance – all necessary in achieving maximum functional independence.

Physiotherapists at Footprints use their expertise and a variety of techniques to set goals and create therapy programs that are tailored to the specific needs of each child. We are always ready to refer children to other disciplines within our practice and to other community agencies when this would assist a positive treatment outcome.

Some conditions that Footprints physiotherapists treat include:

• Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions
• Gross motor delay
• Developmental delay
• Brachial plexus
• Torticollis
• Hypotonia
• General orthopaedic conditions
• Acquired brain injury
• Cardio-respiratory rehabilitation
• Genetic disorders

Treatment Modalities

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

According to the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association, NDT is a problem-solving approach to the examination and treatment of the impairments and functional limitations of individuals with neuropathology, primarily children with Cerebral Palsy.

These children have dysfunction in posture and movement that leads to limitations in functional activity. This treatment facilitates the normalization of muscle tone in children with conditions where tone is high or low.

Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME)

Cuevas Medek Exercise is a physical therapy approach for infants and young children with abnormal developmental motor evolution caused by a known or unknown non-degenerative syndrome affecting the Central Nervous System. Children with hypotonia, including those with Down Syndrome and children with developmental delay may also benefit from CME.

Specific exercises are individually prescribed to provoke automatic responses of postural and functional control. Support is provided at a distal point of control to maximally challenge the child’s automatic reactions.

Kinesio Tape

KinesioTape is an elastic tape that can be used to facilitate movement patterns, build muscle strength, increase stability, and improve alignment and function. Taping can be used as an adjunct to treatment of a variety of conditions to assist in achieving therapy goals. Correct taping placement is essential to achieving optimal results.

Theratogs

TheraTogs are soft garments with added straps made from flexible, breathable material. They are worn next to the skin under regular clothing.

The system can be used in conjunction with physiotherapy and occupational therapy to improve posture, stability and strength and therefore functional motor skills. Children with sensory processing disorders may benefit from wearing TheraTogs to increase body awareness and help organize sensory input.

Osteopathic – Manual Practice

Osteopathic Treatment – Help for people of all ages and stages Pre and post natal care, infants, children, teens, adults and seniors

Osteopathy is a precise, manual therapy that addresses the relationship between structure and function, and looks at the individual as a functional human being. The emphasis is on a holistic approach, acknowledging that the body will be assessed and treated as a whole rather than focusing only on the area that is symptomatic. Osteopathic manual practitioners believe that the various systems of the body – musculoskeletal, soft tissue, cranio-sacral, visceral and circulatory – are connected anatomically and are functionally interdependent.

Manual osteopathy can have a positive affect on a variety of conditions:

• Back pain
• Joint pain and dysfunction
• Digestive problems – constipation, reflux
• Soft tissue injuries
• Headache
• Jaw pain and other TMJ problems
• Pregnancy issues – back pain and general discomfort, preparation for delivery
• Sports injuries and acute trauma

The following conditions, related to infants and children, can benefit from manual osteopathic intervention:

• Torticollis
• Infant colic and irritability
• Latching and sucking problems
• Recurrent ear infections, respiratory problems, asthma
• Plagiocephaly
• Brachial plexus
• Constipation and other digestive problems
• Sleep issues
• Joint pain, decreased mobility
• Soft tissue injuries
• Headaches
• Orthodontic concerns
• Scoliosis
• Autism Spectrum Disorders

All osteopathic treatments are gentle, comfortable and non-invasive – the objective is always to work with the body to promote overall health and well-being.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a form of intervention in which the therapist and child work to develop or improve the necessary skills for daily living through activity. Principal “occupations” of childhood include play, school performance and self-care.

Mastering play with toys improves fine motor function and helps teach basic concepts such as colours and shapes. The use of pencils or pens to print, draw, and later, to learn cursive writing is an integral part of every school day. Feeding, getting dressed and brushing teeth are self-care tasks we accomplish every day. Paediatric occupational therapists help children improve performance in all these areas.

Children with shortened attention span, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and/or sensory processing issues can also benefit from occupational therapy intervention.

Occupational therapy can also help children develop:

• Fine motor skills – grasp, release, object manipulation
• Oral motor function – sucking, chewing, biting
• Printing and cursive writing competence
• Communication skills
• Age appropriate self-care skills
• Organizational skills, ability to follow instructions, solve problems

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease using non-toxic, natural therapies to support the body's self-healing ability. Naturopathy identifies and treats the causes of illness rather than simply suppressing the symptoms.

Meridian Stress Assessment

Meridian Stress Assessment involves the use of a computer system to measure electrical resistance at various acupoints to allow for screening balances and imbalances in body organs, glands, and environmental sensitivites. This is a non-invasive technique with no needles or electric shocks and is safe for all ages. The information is given to medical and complementary practitioners to help in their intervention shows imbalances before a chronic level is evident.

Yoga for children to young adults with special needs

Hatha yoga helps children develop and enhance their motor skills, body awareness, spinal alignment, strength, relaxation, ability to focus and concentrate. Children with neurological dysfunction, hypotonia, learning and developmental disabilities, Down Syndrome and other congenital anomalies may benefit from yoga

Additional Services/Programs

• Fine motor camp
• Assessment for wheelchairs, walkers – Footprints therapists are A.D.P. authorizers for mobility devices
• Information about community resources
• Opportunities to network within the special needs community

Footprints therapists work cooperatively with family members, caregivers and other health care professionals to ensure a child centred approach to intervention.

Service Delivery

Comprehensive Assessment

A combination of clinical observation and standardized assessments are used to determine the specific needs of each client. Goals and treatment objectives are then established based on input from clients, families and their therapist.

Direct Intervention

For children, direct individual physiotherapy, occupational therapy and osteopathic manual therapy are available in the home and/or the clinic.

Yoga for children with special needs is a unique program offered at Footprints to our paediatric clients.

Osteopathic manual therapy and naturopathy and Meridian Stress Assessment are available to clients of all ages at Footprints clinic on Fairview Mall Drive.

Consultation

Therapists at Footprints are available to advise families and other professionals dealing with a variety of situations in community environments.

Home Visits

Footprints offers home visits for individual paediatric physiotherapy and occupational therapy in most areas of the G.T.A. Provision of home therapy is subject to the requirements of the client and family and arrangements made with a Footprints therapist able to meet their needs.