General Physiotherapy vs Pediatric Physiotherapy

There are different physiotherapy clinics in Dubai and most of them provides a wide range of services. These services include general and pediatric physiotherapy. Now, you might ask, “What is the difference between the two?” That is exactly what this post will discuss.

Read on to know what general and pediatric physiotherapy are, how they differ from each other, and which one you should choose.

General physiotherapy
As the name implies, general physiotherapy is not specific to only one group. Instead, it is applicable to any age category, concern, and need.

General physiotherapy is a field of the healthcare profession where the emphasis is in the use of natural, non-invasive, and safe therapeutic intervention. Physiotherapists primarily use their hands, along with other mechanical tools, to promote wellness and prevent illnesses and injury.

A physiotherapist is considered a first-contact health care specialist, meaning they can do diagnosis and treatment without the approval of a physician. General physiotherapy has a wide scope of practice that includes the prevention, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. In some cases, a physiotherapist would also handle problems that affect the respiratory and neurological system, as long as these problems also directly or indirectly affect the musculoskeletal system.

Pediatric Physiotherapy
Pediatric physiotherapy is a discipline of physiotherapy where assessment and treatment are directed to children. Most patients of pediatric physiotherapy include kids that have neurological, physical, and developmental conditions.

Children have specific needs, biomechanics, and anatomy. There are certain treatments and approaches that only work on adults. Thus, when it comes to children, it is best to let qualified pediatric physiotherapists handle them.

Since children are still growing, the goals and methods of treatment may differ as time passes by. Pediatric physiotherapy Dubai is a more complicated branch of physiotherapy that ultimately aims to facilitate the proper development of children and promote independence.

Should you choose a general physiotherapist or pediatric physiotherapist?
Now that you know the difference between the two disciplines of physiotherapy, you might be wondering which one to choose.

Normally, most patients would first meet with a general physiotherapist. From there, based on assessment, the general physiotherapist determines whether to refer the patient to a specialised pediatric physiotherapist or not.

If the patient is an adult, it is more likely that a general physiotherapist can handle the problem. However, if the patient is a child, then a pediatric physiotherapist is sought. The greatest determining factor would be age.

Since pediatric physiotherapists have a special training to handle pediatric illnesses and conditions, it is more appropriate to bring children to them. They have a clear and solid understanding of the developmental milestones and stages of a child. They can effectively identify abnormalities in posture, alignment, posture itself, and development.


If you are ready to speak to a professional physiotherapist, you would not regret visiting Scandinavian Physiotherapy Center. They have some of the best physio practitioners who have the right knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver quality and excellent services. Give them a call today!


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