Understanding Neuromuscular Conditions
Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control voluntary muscles and the nerves that communicate sensory information back to the brain. These conditions can lead to muscle weakness, loss of movement, and even paralysis.
At South West Kids Clinic, our team of experienced therapists is committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and development, empowering each child to reach their fullest potential. We understand the challenges faced by children with neuromuscular conditions and their families, and our clinic is dedicated to providing the highest quality care with a warm, professional approach, helping children with neuromuscular disorders achieve better health and an improved quality of life.
Neuromuscular Conditions
Neuromuscular conditions include a broad range of disorders that affect the nerves controlling the voluntary muscles. These conditions typically involve the peripheral nervous system, including the motor neurons, nerves, and muscles. Symptoms and severity can vary significantly but generally include muscle weakness, fatigue, loss of muscle control, and, in some severe cases, paralysis.
Common Neuromuscular Conditions Treated at South West Kids Clinic:
Muscular Dystrophy
A group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
A genetic disorder that affects the control of muscle movement.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
A group of inherited disorders that specifically affect the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the arms and legs.
Cerebral Palsy
Although primarily affecting brain development, cerebral palsy can lead to neuromuscular issues such as spasticity and muscular stiffness.
Neuromuscular Therapy and Treatment Services
Our neuromuscular therapy is customised at South West Kids Clinic to meet each child’s unique challenges. Our team is committed to providing a safe and empathetic space where you can find valuable resources and knowledgeable guidance.
- Functional independence
- Fine motor skills
- Joint range of motion, flexibility, strength and joint integrity
- Participation in daily living skills (e.g., dressing, feeding, bathing)
- Posture and alignment
- 24-hour positioning
- Motor control and coordination
- Play and social skills
- Functional independence
- Muscle strength and endurance
- Mobility and gait training
- Postural control
- Joint range of motion and flexibility
- Balance and coordination
- Respiratory function
- Participation in inclusive sport and recreation
- Articulation and clear speech
- Voice
- Oral motor skills
- Receptive (understanding) language development
- Expressive (use of) language development
- Fluency (stuttering) management
- Feeding difficulties and dysphagia
- Auditory discrimination for hearing impairment
- Comprehensive assessment of motor and developmental skills
- Goal-directed training
- Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP Approach)
- Assessment of school and community access
- Equipment and assistive technology prescription, monitoring & support
- Parent/caregiver coaching & support
- Task adaptation or simplification
- Graded task progression
- Liaison with specialist teams, such as prosthetists and key support persons
- Goal-directed therapy
- Adaptive equipment support and trials
- Serial casting and splinting
- Functional electrical stimulation
- Aquatic physiotherapy
- 24-hour positioning
- Assessment of school and community access
- Family and caregiver coaching
- Comprehensive assessment of oral motor skills required for speech and feeding
- omprehensive Assessment of language and literacy skills
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication prescription, monitoring and support
- Alternative access for AAC, including switch access, eye gaze, and partner-assisted scanning
- Nuffield Dyspraxia Program
- Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST)
- Contextual Utilisation Approaches for Speech Sound Production
- Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DDTC)
- The Lidcombe Program for stuttering
- The Oakville Program for stuttering
- Play-based language stimulation
- Cued Articulation approach
- Responsive Feeding Therapy Approach
- Liaison with specialist teams, such as Dietetics, gastroenterology or others regarding dysphagia
- Parent/caregiver coaching & support
- Liaison with specialist teams, such as Audiology.
Frequently asked questions
What should I expect during the initial assessment for my child?
The initial assessment involves a detailed evaluation of your child’s medical history, current health, and developmental status. This helps our team understand your child’s specific needs and forms the basis for their personalised treatment plan.
How often will my child need therapy?
The frequency of therapy sessions depends on the severity of your child’s condition and their specific needs. Therapy might start more intensively and decrease as your child makes progress. Our team will recommend a schedule that maximises therapeutic benefits while considering your family’s lifestyle.
How can I support my child’s development at home?
Our therapists will provide specific strategies and activities for you at home to reinforce the skills learned during therapy sessions. Consistent practice at home is crucial for ongoing progress and will be tailored to fit easily into your daily routine.
