Physiotherapy
What is a "PT"?
Physiotherapists (PT) at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) provide assessment, treatment and consultation to children with movement dysfunction related to acute cardiorespiratory, neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, incorporating the principles of family-centered care.
"Movement occurs as a continuum from the microscopic level to the level of the individual in society. It may be influenced by physical, psychological, social and environmental factors. The role of the pediatric physiotherapist is to plan a treatment program in collaboration with the family and other members of the health care team in order to achieve optimal movement potential. The practice of Physiotherapy involves therapeutic movement, modalities, therapeutic use of self, education, technology and environmental modifications."
PTs provide therapeutic treatment programs for children with acute respiratory problems such as pneumonia or following cardiac or abdominal surgery. Chronic respiratory disease processes are also addressed with a range of interventions including exercise and secretion management strategies.
PTs are involved in prescribing exercise programs for children prior to and following heart, lung, liver or kidney transplants.
Physiotherapists also provide intervention for children with congenital neurological conditions such as Spina Bifida, or acquired conditions such as traumatic brain injury or Guillain Barre syndrome. Children with immunosuppressive disorders also participate in conditioning programs to promote mobility, strength and flexibility.
Musculoskeletal conditions are varied and involve the expertise of a PT in the areas of rheumatology (e.g. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis); burns and plastics (e.g. tendon repair, Lymphedema and vascular malformations) as well as general orthopaedics (e.g. fractures, Legge-Perthes disease).
Intervention can take place on an inpatient or outpatient basis, as either hands on treatment, consultation and/or patient and family education.
The Physiotherapists at SickKids work in the following programs:
- Neonatology
- Neurosurgery & Trauma
- Burns & Plastics
- Transplant
- Orthopaedics
- ENT/General Surgery
- Nephrology/Urology
- Endocrine/Genetic/Metabolic
- Critical Care
- GI/Chest
- General Paediatrics
- Cardiology
- Haematology/Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
Academic and Clinical Specialist/Manager
The Academic and Clinical Specialists/Managers (ACS) are integral members of the Rehabilitation team - who are responsible for professional practice standards and evidence based practices. They take on a mentoring role in the Department of Rehabilitation Services research activities; performing patient care functions within their practice area; performing quality management, administrative, and group leadership functions within the Division of Physical Therapy.
They are responsible for the development of programs and program evaluation; facilitating education programs and services within their practice area and performing other duties consistent with the classification as delegated by the Academic and Clinical Director of Rehabilitation Services.
Alison Hassall
Rehabilitation Services
The Hospital for Sick Children
email: alison.hassall@sickkids.ca
Chris Curtis
Rehabilitation Services
The Hospital for Sick Children
email: chris.curtis@sickkids.ca
Anne Scofich
Rehabilitation Services
The Hospital for Sick Children
Phone: 416-813-6755
email: anne.scofich@sickkids.ca