NCJ Number
200972
Date Published
2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This chapter focuses on the roles of the physical therapist (PT) and occupational therapist (OT) in the physical rehabilitation of child survivors of serious physical abuse and neglect, with attention to specific types of injuries.
Abstract
The most common abuse-related or neglect-related injuries and conditions likely to be treated by PT's and OT's are prenatal drug exposure; shaken baby syndrome; orthopedic and neurological injuries from falls, battery, near drowning, or suffocation; and burns. PT's are trained to deal with gross motor skills, functional mobility, balance, and patient/primary caregiver education and training. Many components of the patient's neuromusculoskeletal systems must be analyzed to piece together and organize the deficits and strengths. The primary goal of pediatric physical therapy is to expedite and optimize the return of the infant or child's functional motor abilities. OT's assess and treat patients' fine motor skills, sensory processing, and ability to participate in the activities of daily living. The latter will vary according to a child's age and developmental level. These include self-care, functional mobility, and play/school activities. OT's also assess and provide patients with equipment such as wheelchairs and adaptive equipment that can assist with various tasks. During the extensive period of follow-up PT and OT care, therapists spend considerable one-to-one time working with the patient and his/her family. Family dynamics are thus readily observed by the PT and OT, and signs of possible child abuse may be noted. PT's and OT's thus have an important role in the continuum of care for child survivors of abuse and neglect, as well as their future protection. A relevant case vignette with follow-up questions is provided. 2 resources