Orthopedics
Pediatric orthopedic physiotherapy is for children and adolescents experiencing pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, or functional difficulties affecting the musculoskeletal system. It can be helpful after a sprain, fracture, immobilization with a cast or splint, orthopedic surgery, or in cases of persistent pain in the knee, ankle, foot, hip, or back. In children, certain injuries also require special attention due to growth and the development of growth plates.
At PhysioUnion, we offer care tailored to the child's age, activity level, and goals. The aim is not simply to treat a joint or muscle, but to help the young patient regain comfortable movement, rebuild confidence, and gradually return to their daily activities, school, or sports. Physiotherapy is based primarily on assessment, exercises, advice, and, depending on the case, manual therapy and a home program.
When should I consult an orthopedic physiotherapist?
Physiotherapy treatment can be helpful in the following situations:
after a fracture or sprain
after prolonged immobilization
after orthopedic surgery
in case of persistent pain during walking, running or sports
in case of joint stiffness
in case of loss of strength
in case of difficulty resuming sports, games or certain daily activities
in case of apprehension about resting the foot or using the injured limb normally.
After an injury, even when the bone or ligament heals properly, stiffness, muscle weakness, decreased balance, or a loss of confidence in the affected limb may persist. Some childhood fractures heal well with immobilization alone, but in other cases, the doctor may recommend targeted exercises or physical therapy to regain joint mobility and strength before a full return to activities.
What does orthopedic physiotherapy work on?
Care is always individualized. Depending on the situation, it may include:
joint mobility work
progressive strengthening exercises
a task requiring balance, coordination and motor control
a gradual resumption of walking, running, climbing stairs or sporting activities
tailored advice for school, leisure and sports
a simple program to do at home to promote recovery.
In children and adolescents, rehabilitation must be gradual, understandable, and motivating. It must also respect medical recommendations, pain, fatigue, growth, and the school or sports context. In the event of a significant traumatic injury or persistent pain, a medical evaluation remains important to check for fractures, damage to the growth plate cartilage, or other problems requiring specific monitoring.
Orthopedics and sports in children
In children and adolescents who play sports, some pain is related to an acute injury, while other pain develops more gradually due to repetitive strain or poorly tolerated athletic activity. Growing children are more vulnerable to overuse injuries, and a temporary adjustment of their activity may sometimes be necessary to prevent pain from becoming chronic.
The goal is not always to stop sports completely, but rather to understand the pain, manage the stress, improve movement quality, and support a gradual and safe return to activity. This approach is particularly useful for teenagers who want to resume training quickly but still need to regain mobility, strength, or motor control.
Care provided by PhysioUnion
At the PhysioUnion clinic in Prilly, near Lausanne, we support children and adolescents with pediatric orthopedic and sports physiotherapy needs. This can include recovery after injury, surgery, immobilization, or mechanical pain related to growth and physical activity. Sessions are tailored to the young patient, their age, athletic ability, and functional goals.
The goal is to enable the child or adolescent to regain comfortable function, regain confidence in their body and gradually return to an active life, whether it be walking, running, playing, climbing stairs or resuming sports in good conditions.
