Every parent wants to provide their child with the best possible conditions for development. Taking care of correct posture is one of the key elements that directly affect the child's future health and quality of life. Unfortunately, in the flurry of daily chores, it is easy to overlook subtle changes in posture that can lead to serious health problems, such as postural defects and scoliosis. It is the parents who have the first responsibility for careful observation, but only a consultation with a physiotherapist can make an accurate diagnosis and prevent the development of abnormalities.
Worrying signs for parents
Early detection of postural abnormalities in a child can significantly affect further development. Here are examples of symptoms to look out for:
- Excessive humping
- Shoulders and head extended forward
- A significantly distended tummy
- Asymmetrical alignment of shoulders, shoulder blades and pelvis
- Asymmetry of the waist triangles
- Knee valgus or patellar valgus
- Spine without visible physiological curvatures, namely cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, it is essential to consult a physical therapist as soon as possible. Early intervention allows for effective posture correction and prevention of worsening defects.
What should parents pay attention to?
By observing a child, parents can spot the first signs of postural defects. Here's a list of key elements to look out for:
- Head positioning - Is it symmetrical? Does the head align with the midline of the body?
- Arms - Are they on one level? Are they extended forward?
- Blades - Are they at the same distance from the spine and at the same level?
- Waist triangles - Are they on the same line and are they similar in size?
- Curvatures of the spine - We assess whether they are shallowed or deepened. Looking from the side, right and left, we check for a slight forward curve in the cervical region, a slight rounding in the thoracic region between the shoulder blades below, and a forward curve in the lumbar region.
- The course of the vertebrae of the spine - Looking from behind at the child's back, are the vertebrae aligned vertically in a straight line?
- Chest - Are the clavicles and ribs aligned symmetrically on both sides?
- Knees and feet - Is their setting correct?
- Back plane in prone - Is the back level during the incline?
- Pelvic alignment - Is it not shifted to one side or drooping?
Any child in whom we notice worrying symptoms and have suspicions of a postural defect or scoliosis should have a medical and physiotherapy consultation.
What are the consequences of negligence?
Ignoring the first signs of poor posture can lead to serious consequences, such as curvature of the spine, changes in the pelvis, misalignment of the knees or feet. This can result in chronic pain, limited mobility and even permanent skeletal changes after growth. Lack of specialized physiotherapeutic diagnosis and targeted therapy, tailored individually to the child, can lead to a worsening of the defect and permanent deformities. Therefore, it is extremely important to thoroughly evaluate, diagnose and treat children with suspected postural defects and scoliosis.
Early diagnosis of a child's posture made by a physiotherapist is crucial in shaping correct posture and, above all, preventing the development of postural defects and scoliosis at different stages of development. We can conduct an in-depth postural assessment as early as preschool children, here the best help you can get from Izabela Knop, MA. If your child is older, it's also a good idea to schedule a consultation with Iza, M.D. We treat children as young as 12, 14, and even 16. If your child is less than 3 years old, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Maria Gorska, MA, a certified physiotherapist NDT Bobath (Neurodevelopmental Treatment Bobath is a therapeutic approach that focuses on treating people with neurological disorders. The goal of NDT Bobath therapy is to improve motor function by promoting normal motor development and minimizing the effects of pathological movement patterns). Marysia, M.D., specializes in working with the youngest patients from birth to age 3.
Early diagnosis is the key to health
A professional assessment of a child's posture, conducted by an experienced physiotherapist, is invaluable in shaping proper physical development. With early detection of abnormalities and appropriately selected therapy, it is possible to prevent the aggravation of postural defects and avoid complex interventions in the future.
Book your appointment today!
Don't wait for the problem to get worse. The sooner you take action, the better the chance for your child's full health. Book an appointment with Izabela Knop, MA, a certified physiotherapist of the method FITS (Functional Individual Therapy of Scoliosis, a physiotherapeutic method that treats scoliosis and postural defects. This therapy focuses on an individualized approach to the patient, taking into account the specifics of the spinal deformity, with an emphasis on postural correction and functional exercises to improve spinal stability and mobility), who will carry out a comprehensive diagnosis and therapy tailored to your child's needs. Learn more about pediatric physiotherapy at Profizjoclinic!
Click here, to book an appointment with Iza Knop, M.D. and ensure your child's healthy development today! If your child is less than 3 years old, make an appointment to Marysia Gorska, MA - specialists for the youngest patients here.
Below the post you will find a convenient calendar for online registration - schedule a consultation now and give your child the best start! If you do not see an available appointment in the online calendar please call registration 509 966 988.