Children and adolescents have unique physiotherapy needs that differ significantly from adults. Growing bodies, developing skills, and the demands of youth sports require specialized knowledge and approach. At M.O. Therapy in Markham, we provide pediatric physiotherapy services tailored to young patients and their families.
Understanding Pediatric Physiotherapy
What Makes Kids Different?
Growing Bodies:
- Open growth plates (epiphyses)
- Changing proportions
- Developing coordination
- Evolving strength
Unique Injury Patterns:
- Growth plate injuries
- Apophysitis conditions
- Different healing responses
- Sport-related overuse
Psychological Needs:
- Age-appropriate communication
- Family involvement
- Making treatment fun
- Building confidence
Common Youth Sports Injuries
Growth Plate Injuries
What Are Growth Plates?
- Areas of developing cartilage at bone ends
- Where bones grow in length
- More vulnerable to injury than adult bone
- Close during adolescence
Why They Matter:
- Can affect bone growth if damaged
- Require proper diagnosis
- Need appropriate treatment
- Must be monitored
Apophysitis Conditions
Osgood-Schlatter Disease:
- Pain at tibial tubercle (below kneecap)
- Common in active adolescents
- Related to growth and activity
- Responds to appropriate management
Sever's Disease:
- Heel pain in young athletes
- Affects calcaneal apophysis
- Common in runners and jumpers
- Usually resolves with maturity
Little League Elbow:
- Medial elbow pain in throwers
- Related to throwing volume
- Important to address early
- Prevention through pitch counts
Overuse Injuries
Common in Youth:
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
- Muscle strains
- Joint pain
Contributing Factors:
- Year-round single-sport focus
- Early specialization
- Training volume
- Growth spurts
Acute Injuries
Sports-Related:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Contusions
- Concussions
Activity-Related:
- Playground injuries
- Falls
- Bike accidents
- General play injuries
Our Approach to Pediatric Care
Assessment
Child-Friendly Evaluation:
- Age-appropriate communication
- Comfortable environment
- Parent involvement
- Thorough but not overwhelming
What We Assess:
- Current injury or condition
- Activity level and sports
- Growth and development
- Movement patterns
Treatment
Individualized Care:
- Age-appropriate exercises
- Fun and engaging activities
- Clear home programs
- Regular progress checks
Family Involvement:
- Parent education
- Home exercise support
- Communication about progress
- Team approach
Communication
With Parents:
- Clear explanation of condition
- Treatment plan discussion
- Progress updates
- Activity recommendations
With Coaches/Schools:
- Return-to-activity guidance
- Activity modifications if needed
- Communication when appropriate
Sports We Treat
Team Sports
Hockey:
- Common youth sport in Markham
- Growth-related hip/groin issues
- Skating-related injuries
- Contact injuries
Soccer:
- Very popular in our area
- Ankle and knee injuries
- Overuse conditions
- Concussions
Basketball:
- Growing sport locally
- Ankle sprains common
- Knee issues
- Growth-related conditions
Baseball/Softball:
- Throwing injuries
- Elbow and shoulder concerns
- Appropriate pitch counts
- Conditioning needs
Individual Sports
Swimming:
- Shoulder issues
- Stroke-related problems
- Training load concerns
Gymnastics:
- Wrist problems
- Back issues
- Flexibility and strength balance
Dance:
- Hip and knee concerns
- Ankle issues
- Overuse injuries
Running/Track:
- Shin splints
- Stress reactions
- Growth-related pain
Prevention Focus
Injury Prevention Programs
What We Offer:
- Movement screening
- Strength assessment
- Sport-specific prevention
- Training load guidance
Key Elements:
- Proper warm-up habits
- Appropriate training volumes
- Rest and recovery
- Technique development
Specialization Concerns
Early Specialization Risks:
- Overuse injuries
- Burnout
- Incomplete skill development
- Missing physical development
Recommendations:
- Multi-sport participation until late teens
- Varied physical activities
- Appropriate training volumes
- Rest periods between seasons
Growth-Related Considerations
Growth Spurts
Challenges:
- Temporarily reduced coordination
- Increased injury risk
- Muscle-tendon tightness
- Need for training adjustment
Our Approach:
- Monitor growth patterns
- Adjust training recommendations
- Address flexibility issues
- Support safe progression
Age-Appropriate Training
Guidelines:
- Volume appropriate for age
- Skill development focus
- Fun and enjoyment priority
- Long-term athlete development
When to Seek Help
Signs Your Child Needs Assessment
Seek Care If:
- Pain during or after activity
- Limping or movement changes
- Swelling or tenderness
- Persistent complaints
- Declining performance
- Reluctance to participate
Don't Ignore
Important to Address:
- Any persistent pain
- Joint swelling
- Movement limitations
- Growth plate area tenderness
Treatment at M.O. Therapy
Our Pediatric Services
What We Provide:
- Comprehensive assessment
- Age-appropriate treatment
- Home exercise programs
- Return-to-sport guidance
- Prevention strategies
Our Team
Experience With:
- Youth athletes
- Growth-related conditions
- Sports injuries
- Developmental concerns
Our Environment
Child-Friendly:
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Comfortable treatment space
- Age-appropriate equipment
- Positive experience
For Parents
Your Role
How to Support:
- Attend appointments
- Help with home exercises
- Monitor activity
- Communicate concerns
What to Expect
During Treatment:
- Clear communication
- Regular updates
- Practical exercises
- Realistic timelines
Insurance Coverage
Extended Benefits
Coverage:
- Most plans cover pediatric physio
- We direct bill most insurers
- Check your family coverage
OHIP
Note:
- Physio not covered by OHIP for most children
- Extended benefits typically needed
- We can help verify coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can children receive physiotherapy? We treat children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Treatment approaches are adapted to be age-appropriate and effective.
Should my child play through pain? No. Pain is a warning sign that should be assessed. Playing through pain can worsen injuries and lead to longer recovery times.
How do I know if my child's pain is serious? Persistent pain, pain that limits activity, swelling, or pain that wakes your child at night should be evaluated. When in doubt, have it checked.
Can physiotherapy prevent sports injuries in kids? Yes, proper movement screening, strengthening, and training guidance can reduce injury risk. We offer prevention programs for young athletes.
Book an Appointment
If your child is dealing with pain, injury, or you want to prevent future problems, M.O. Therapy in Markham can help.
Contact Us:
- Call (905) 201-5827
- Book online
- Same-day appointments for acute injuries
- Direct billing available
Let us help your young athlete recover, perform, and stay healthy for years to come.