Physiotherapy for childhood hip dysplasia is an important part of conservative therapy. Wearing spreader pants or other splints to immobilize the hip joint delays development, especially in infants. In order to make up for this deficit and to support the normal function of the body, the children are treated within the framework of physiotherapy. Especially the physiotherapy according to Vojta has proved to be effective in case of infantile hip dysplasia, so that a normal development is possible.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a child’s hip dysplasia, especially at a very young age, can only be recognized by a specialist, as the child usually has no pain. The following topics may also be of interest to you:
- These include an anti-spreading device in the supine position, whereby the doctor cannot spread the child’s legs to the couch, the Barlow sign.
- The Ortolani sign is characterized by a jumping out and in of the femoral head during movement of the hip joint, in which a clicking sound is audible when the doctor pushes and pulls the joint apart.
- A wrinkle asymmetry in the area of the buttocks and thighs.
- In older children, it can also be a lack of movement, a disturbed gait pattern or a leg malposition.
- Symptoms of childhood hip dysplasia
- Hip malpositions – Hip dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
Physiotherapy/treatment
Physiotherapy is part of the 2nd and 3rd treatment phase for children with hip dysplasia. In the first treatment phase, the hip joint is repositioned either conservatively by the doctor, with the help of bandages or, in the worst case, by surgery. In the further course of treatment, the aim is to immobilize and stabilize the hip joint and still support the child’s development as best as possible.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in this last point in particular. In spite of the young age, there are measures that can be carried out by the parents in the physiotherapy session and at home to support the affected children. Especially the Vojta-therapy has proved to be very effective in case of a child’s hip dysplasia.
The therapy involves a rhythmic activation of the entire skeletal musculature through the so-called reflex locomotion. The therapist applies targeted pressure to certain body zones, which leads to automated reflexes. Through this therapeutic application it is possible to train and activate unconscious movements, which can bring enormous developmental progress to the children concerned.
Since small children often have not yet developed replacement motor skills, i.e. incorrectly executed movements or incorrect postures, good results can be achieved with Vojta therapy. Especially at the beginning of the physiotherapy the children often cry out during the therapy as a reaction to the unaccustomed postures and stimuli. For many parents this has an alarming effect, so a great deal of empathy is required from the physiotherapist.
Especially with children, the parents play an important role, since they are responsible for carrying out or controlling the exercises at home. You want to learn more about this topic? Then please read these articles:
- Muscular imbalances
- Exercises for hip dysplasia
- Physiotherapy for hip dysplasia
- Physiotherapy for hip dysplasia
- Hip malpositions – Hip dysplasia in children
