The paediatric spinal therapy team comprises of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
The service is based at the Great North Children’s Hospital and strives to provide specialist care across the Northern Region for those children (0-18 years) referred to the Spinal Team.
The service provides therapy to surgical and non-surgical patients.
Non-Surgical
Children experiencing back pain can often be referred for therapeutic assessment and treatment.
If you are referred to this service treatment may include:
- Face to face out patient appointments
- Individual assessment
- Home exercise programme
- Postural advice
- Access to therapy groups (pilates and hydrotherapy)
- Advice to schools
- Telephone appointments
Surgical
If you require scoliosis surgery you will be seen in pre assessment clinic by the multidisciplinary team (specialist nurse, therapy team, anaesthetist etc) prior to your admission.
On admission the therapy team will see you on Ward 10 following surgery to support your rehabilitation journey and discharge from hospital.
Pre- assessment
During this appointment the therapy team will explore with you:
- Daily routines
- Activity Levels
- Education
- Accommodation
- Rehabilitation journey
- Loan equipment provision
This appointment also allows the opportunity for therapists to discuss with you any pre assessment recommendations that you may need to start prior to admission.
Rehabilitation
During your stay on the ward you will be seen daily by the therapy team to support you to get out of bed, return to your previous level of mobility and get back to your daily routines.
Discharge
We will make sure you are safe for discharge from hospital and this may include:
- Use of stairs
- Loan of equipment
- Advice
- Contacting community teams
- Support with current education.
After discharge from hospital we can be contacted for further advice and support if this is required.
