‘Physical therapy vital for kids with neurodisabilities’
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for children with neurodisabilities, which significantly impacts a child’s mobility, strength and overall function, says renowned physiotherapist and child neurologist Dr Dayna Pool.
She said this while delivering an enlightening health talk on ‘Advances in Therapeutic Interventions for Children with Neurodisabilities’, which was held at a hotel here Monday.
According to her, physical therapy offers a range of benefits that can help children with neurodisabilities, including those with cerebral palsy.
She added that children with neurodisabilities spend most of their time on sitting and not doing any physical activity like walking, which can lead to various health issues, decreased motor skills and muscle weakness.
“The primary goal of physical therapy is to improve a child’s mobility and motor skills. At Healthy Strides Foundation, therapists use a variety of techniques such as physical exercises which lead to remarkable improvements to a child’s movements in a matter of weeks.
“Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles and improve endurance, allowing children to participate more fully in play and other activities,” said Dr Pool, who is chief executive officer and clinical lead at Healthy Strides Foundation.
The event, organised by SOP Foundation, was attended by parents and caregivers, and aimed to shed light on cutting-edge treatments and approaches for children facing neurodevelopmental challenges.
Among the guests were Miri mayor Adam Yii and SOP Foundation trustees Paul Wong Hee Kwong and Eric Kiu Kwong Seng..
The event concluded with a dinner, sharing session and question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to seek further clarification and advice from Dr Pool, who is also director and founder of Therapists Abroad, as well as a Post-Doctorate Research Fellow at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia.
Healthy Strides Malaysia is a leading health care clinic for children and young adults with neurological conditions and injuries.
The therapy and rehabilitation centre is located at No. 288, Ground Floor, Jalan Brighton, Off Jalan Temenggong Oyong Lawai Jau here.