STARES 2

SITUATION

I have conducted an initial assessment for a 10mo boy; referred to PMH outpatient physiotherapy for suspected overgrowth syndrome leading to gross motor delay. From this assessment I was able to analyse my objective findings to reveal the child’s impairments and participation restrictions. The child presented with disproportionate features; large hands, head and feet though a relatively small trunk. This gave rise to difficulties with head and trunk control, which further led to difficulties in development of gross motor functions. In collaboration with the mothers previously stated goals from physiotherapy and my own goals for treatment I was then able to construct a treatment plan for our next appointment. The treatment was to involve a significant amount of trunk activation work as well as practicing transitions and other movement patterns.

TASK

To conduct an effective and appropriate treatment session for the above-mentioned young boy.

ANALYSIS

The young boy presented for treatment a few days following his initial assessment. On this day he had not slept as of yet and was quite temperamental. After attempting for some time to build trust with the child and engage his attention, I soon found that my treatment was not effective in motivating him to do what I had planned. As a result I had to modify my treatment plan and utilise the mother to assist me in carrying out my treatment.

RESULT

As a result of this modification, the mother felt more involved in the physiotherapy session and I was able to demonstrate to her strategies that she could use at home. She was also able to get a better perception of when the young boy was responding correctly and where he needed additional support.

EVALUATION

The treatment session didn’t go entirely to plan and a lot of ideas that I had weren’t able to be used, though I feel being flexible and able to effectively instruct the mother through the treatment session worked as an advantage and a strength. I did initially falter under the additional pressure to change the treatment and work with a child that is less willing to participate, though with experience I’m sure this will gradually become less of an issue. At this stage I still feel anxious around children who are upset and to a degree would feel uncomfortable in resuming treatment or assessment. Again this is something that my supervisor has re-assured me, comes with experience in working with children.

STRATEGIES

Flexibility and adaptability. Also having a wide variety of treatment methods that achieve the same outcome as children have different preferences to games, toys, directions of movement, heights, colours, sounds etc. Incorporate family members into treatment to improve child cooperation and family involvement. Family centered practice being the main goal of Physiotherapy.