Musculoskeletal Disorders
Common musculoskeletal disorders seen in children include flat feet, high-arched feet, excessive toe-in or toe-out during walking, bowlegs or knock-knees, and slouched postures. Unlike adults, children are still growing and developing, and there is a higher chance of correcting these issues with early intervention. Proper assessment of the child’s musculoskeletal system as well as the environment in which they live and play are essential to subsequent design of individualized treatment. Treatment typically comprise of task-specific activities, using games as a method to train the child’s motor planning ability, strengthening exercises for weaker muscles, and stretching for the tight muscles to help improve their posture. This will reduce the risk of injury during play, improve overall activity levels, promote learning, and enhance social interactions with their peers.