Role of physiotherapy in Down syndrome children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Down syndrome, is a congenital condition, caused by abnormal cell division; Which leads to an increase in total or partial copies of chromosome 21. The syndrome leads to a delay in mental and physical development.
The global rate of Down syndrome is one out of every 900 births, as one of the most important causes of the disease is pregnancy at a late age. Pregnancy at the age of 30 gives the possibility of one child with Down syndrome out of every 900 births, but if the mother is over 40 years old, the ratio increases to 1 out of every 100 births, and if the pregnancy is after 45 years, the ratio reaches 1 out of every 30 births.
According to the Saudi Down Syndrome Society, the number of people under the age of 17 with Down syndrome has reached 20,000 children in the Kingdom, and the Arab Center for Genetic Studies estimated that the incidence rate is one in every 554 newborns in the Kingdom.
Symptoms of Down syndrome in children
Newborns with Down syndrome show some distinctive signs, including: flat facial features, head and ears appear smaller than normal, small neck, muscle weakness, fingers and toes shorter than normal, short arms and legs, joint and ligament problems
The role of physiotherapy in the treatment of Down syndrome
Children with Down syndrome often cannot walk on their own before they are two years old, due to their weak muscles and flaccid joints. Here comes the role of a physiotherapist, as early intervention in physiotherapy for infants and children with Down syndrome can make a difference in improving their quality of life. Because every patient is different. Treatment depends on individual needs to develop capabilities, and each stage of the patient's life may require different services. Physiotherapy does not treat complications, but helps avoid their occurrence in people with Down syndrome.
The problems experienced by children with Down syndrome vary. However, most children with Down syndrome have weak muscle tone, decreased strength, shorter limbs and flaccid ligaments. All of these symptoms can lead to compensatory movements of children to try to overcome these problems. If these compensatory movements continue, orthopedic and functional problems often occur.
The role of the physiotherapist at Capital Home Health Care in improving the quality of life for children with Down syndrome
- Teaching the child correct and ideal movement patterns to strengthen the muscles.
- Increase joint stability.
- Work to achieve and follow the correct growth movements.
- Avoid developing abnormal wrong movements
Down syndrome physiotherapy programs in Capital includes the following
- Exercise programs.
- Teaching correct postures for sitting.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises.
- Hydrotherapy.
- Balance exercises.
- Develop gross motor skills, such as: sitting, crawling, and standing.
- Improve standing posture
- Improve muscle strength.
- Improve walking.
- Improve joint range of motion
- Independence in functional activities.
- Reducing the development of compensatory movements.
- Reducing the risk of developing joint problems as they grow.
- Increase stamina.
- Improve the quality of the life.
Requesting Home Health Care Services in Saudi Arabia
Requesting Home Health Care Services in Jeddah - Saudi Arabia from Capital Home Care is a straightforward and easy process.
- Phone: Reach out to Capital Home Care directly at +966 12 227 6270 (Office) or +966 9200 10 689 (Toll-Free)
- Website: You can submit a request by clicking HERE
- Email: Send an email detailing your needs to info@capitalambulance.sa
- Visit in Branch: Alternatively, you can also visit Capital Home Care's office at 7846 Hira - 2488 An Nahda District - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday.
Once your request is received, a member of the Capital HomeCare team will conduct an initial consultation to determine the specific needs of the patient. Following a comprehensive assessment, a tailored care plan is designed and implemented, ensuring the highest standard of home healthcare delivery.
