'Why Early Intervention Matters In Paediatric Physiotherapy': Dr Aishwarya Talgeri On Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

Physiotherapy is often linked to adults recovering from injuries or movement problems, but it can also benefit children with neurological and musculoskeletal impairments. Dr Aishwarya Talgeri, a paediatric neuro physiotherapist, notes that increased awareness among parents is facilitating children's early attention.

Dr Talgeri, who has been treating children with neurological and musculoskeletal impairments for six years, points out that paediatric physiotherapy differs from adult treatment. It needs to be patient and play-based. One major concern is parents overlooking developmental milestones, assuming children will eventually catch up. Missed milestones can lead to more significant issues. For instance, delayed crawling or head lag should not be ignored, as they can escalate into bigger problems.

While greater awareness has improved, delayed milestones may still be overlooked. Sensory and developmental conditions present differently. Autism may be diagnosed around three or four years old, with signs like not making eye contact or being disturbed by loud noises sometimes perceived as normal by parents, leading to delayed professional help.

Early intervention is vital, especially for neurological disorders, according to Dr Talgeri. Progressive conditions require early intervention to prevent serious complications. For example, untreated muscle tightness could result in mobility issues or respiratory problems. Early intervention can reduce difficulties for both the child and parents.

Recently, Dr Talgeri has observed parents becoming more vigilant about their children's development and the available services. However, access and awareness remain weaker in rural areas. Telephysiotherapy and social media are helping bridge this gap by providing information about developmental signs and potential interventions.

Dr Talgeri's practice commonly involves children with cerebral palsy, autism, and ADHD. She attributes this to changing living patterns, such as children spending more time on phones, which she believes may contribute to autism. Physiotherapy, she notes, is not always a short-term fix. It can be a long-term process requiring patience, and in some cases, it may even be lifelong.