How Physiotherapy Can Help with Developmental Coordination Delay

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Developmental Coordination Delay or Dyspraxia, is a condition characterised by difficulties in acquiring and coordinating motor skills. This can affect daily activities, academic performance, and overall quality of life. At All  Sorted Physiotherapy Gladstone, we provide specialised physio services to support children with DCD, helping them improve their motor skills and achieve greater independence.

Understanding Developmental Coordination Delay

Children with DCD often experience challenges such as:

– Difficulty with gross motor skills (e.g., running, jumping, climbing, hopping)
– Problems with fine motor skills (e.g., writing, buttoning, using utensils)
– Poor balance and coordination related to postural control and motor planning.
– Delays in reaching motor skills that require coordination such as running, jumping, hopping.
– Challenges in performing tasks that require hand-eye coordination such as throwing and catching, hitting a ball with a racquet, playing sports. 

These difficulties can impact various aspects of a child’s life, including their ability to participate in school activities, sports, and play, as well as their self-esteem and social interactions.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Managing DCD

Paediatric physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping children with DCD develop the skills they need to function more effectively in their daily lives. Our approach is tailored to each child’s unique needs and focuses on enhancing their physical capabilities through targeted interventions.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for DCD

1. Improved Motor Skills: Paediatric physio helps children develop and refine their gross and fine motor skills. Through structured exercises and activities, children can improve their ability to perform tasks that require coordination and precision.

1. Enhanced Balance and Coordination: Balance and coordination exercises are a key component of physiotherapy for DCD. These exercises help children become more stable and coordinated in their movements, reducing the risk of falls and increasing their confidence in physical activities.

1. Strength and Endurance: Physiotherapy programs often include activities designed to build muscle strength and endurance. This helps children better support their movements and sustain physical activities for longer periods.

1. Improved Posture and Alignment: Physios work on correcting postural issues and improving body alignment, which can contribute to more efficient and controlled movements.

1. Sensory Integration: Many children with DCD have sensory processing difficulties. Physiotherapists use techniques that help integrate sensory information, improving the child’s ability to respond to sensory input in a coordinated manner. Including the vestibular system.

1. Functional Skills Training: Physiotherapy includes training in functional skills that are essential for daily life. This can range from basic self-care tasks to more complex activities like participating in sports or playground activities.

1. Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence: As children improve their physical abilities, they often experience increased self-esteem and confidence. This positive change can enhance their willingness to engage in new activities and social interactions.

Our Approach:

At All Sorted Physiotherapy Gladstone, our physiotherapy approach for children with DCD includes:

– Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation to understand the child’s specific challenges and strengths. This assessment helps in creating a customised treatment plan based on functional and participation outcomes. Goal setting is essential with children and families with DCD as intervention’s are targeted to whole task practice
– Individualised Treatment Plans: Tailored therapy sessions designed to address the unique needs of each child. Our plans are flexible and evolve as the child progresses.
– Engaging and Fun Activities: We incorporate play and fun activities into physio to keep children motivated and engaged. These activities are designed to improve motor skills in a natural and enjoyable way.
– Parental Involvement and Education: We involve parents in the therapy process, providing them with strategies and exercises to support their child’s development at home
– Regular Progress Monitoring: Continuous assessment and adjustment of treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes for each child.

Get in Touch

If your child is experiencing difficulties with motor skills and coordination, physiotherapy can make a significant difference. At All Sorted Physio Gladstone, we are dedicated to helping children with Developmental Coordination Delay achieve their full potential. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our specialised physiotherapy services can benefit your child.

References and useful links:

https://canchild.ca/en/diagnoses/developmental-coordination-disorder#:~:text=DCD%20occurs%20when%20a%20delay,that%20explains%20their%20coordination%20problems.