Ingrid Svačinková
Head of physiotherapy and occupational therapy
We provide comprehensive therapy for children – from infants to toddlers, school-age children to adolescents. We work closely with other specialism at MY CLINIC, in particular paediatricians, occupational therapists and child psychologists.
The aim of paediatric rehabilitation is to ensure the child’s healthy development is restored after illness or injury. However, sometimes deviations from normal child development can be caused by problems during the mother’s pregnancy or at birth.
One of the fundamental elements of successful rehabilitation is physiotherapy. Using the latest insights into brain function, it seeks to target the functions of other systems, including psychological functions, through movement and other physiotherapy techniques.
We treat each patient on an individual basis. Our goal is to actively involve each patient in their healing – to teach them how to perceive their body and prevent disease with appropriate exercises. An important part of this is explaining the different methods to the parents so that they can work with the child in the home environment.
Shortly after birth, the mosaic of a child’s correct psychomotor development starts being put together. It is therefore advisable for a specialist to monitor any deviations from a child’s correct development from six weeks after birth. During this period, a physiotherapist can make a positive impact on the correct engagement of the baby’s muscles, which in turn can have a major beneficial effect on correct posture and thus minimise subsequent secondary changes and possible painful symptoms. Our therapists are trained to work with newborns using recognised methods, such as the Bobath concept, the Vojta therapy of reflex locomotion.
For newborns, infants and toddlers, we specifically address:
Sensory integration refers to the brain’s ability to process incoming sensory information in order to use it. It is the process by which your brain processes, classifies and organises all sensory stimuli from external and internal environments. Sensory stimuli include: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch (tactile perception), balance (vestibular perception) and movement (proprioception).
If sensory integration does not work properly, children will have problems with fine motor skills, dexterity, and avoid motor activities. They will have difficulty articulating or speech development will be delayed. They will react too impulsively to certain situations or, on the contrary, will be reluctant to do certain activities. These children often lack focus and have problems with reading, writing or arithmetic.
The objective of this method is to provide sensory stimuli so that the child can form appropriate responses to incoming stimuli spontaneously (called adaptive response).
Sensory integration therapy takes place in a modified environment that stimulates the child to move and be active. Various types of swings, hammocks and nets can be found in this environment. There are also various obstacles, ramps, hollow roller tunnels, scooter boards, weighted aids, objects with different textures and more. The environment is also safe.
In therapy, we work together to find a balance between the child’s freedom and the structure of therapy. Everything is done through play.
The MY CLINIC rehabilitation team is consists of specialists in the field. We use the latest procedures and proven treatment trends. Our main emphasis is on an individual, psychosomatic approach to a rehabilitation plan tailored to the needs of each patient. In addition to individual physiotherapy, it also includes various modalities of physical therapy and the use of special aids.
The team includes a specialist paediatric physiotherapist who is certified in physiotherapy and has many years of practical experience in the field. She specialises in the Bobath concept and sensory integration.