Expert Pediatric Physiotherapy in Okotoks, Alberta

Understanding Pediatric Development: Every Child's Journey is Unique

Watching your child struggle with movement, miss developmental milestones, or recover from an injury can feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want to give them every opportunity to thrive, but knowing where to turn for specialized help isn't always clear. At Big Rock Chiropractic, our pediatric physiotherapy services provide expert, compassionate care designed specifically for children's unique developmental needs.

Think of childhood development like building a house – each milestone creates the foundation for the next stage. When children miss important movement patterns or face physical challenges, it can affect everything from confidence to academic performance. Our skilled pediatric physiotherapists work with your child to strengthen these foundations, helping them reach their full potential through play-based, engaging therapy.

Concerned about your child's development? Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive pediatric assessment and give your child the support they deserve.

Interested in inquiring further? Sent us your question or comments and we will respond within one business day!

Our Child-Centered Approach to Pediatric Physiotherapy

At Big Rock, we believe that effective pediatric therapy happens when children feel safe, engaged, and excited to participate. Our approach combines evidence-based treatment techniques with the understanding that for children, learning happens best through play and positive experiences.

We don't believe in forcing children through exercises they hate. Instead, we create therapeutic activities that feel like games, helping children develop strength, coordination, and confidence while having fun. Our physiotherapists are skilled at reading children's cues and adapting sessions to match their energy, attention span, and interests.

What Conditions and Ailments Can Be Treated By Our Physiotherapists?

Our Physiotherapists can treat a wide range of patients and their associated ailments. Using their training and experience, in concert with our modalities offered at Big Rock, we are confident we can find a solution to have you back in action as soon as practical! Below is a list of some (but not all) types of conditions or injuries we treat

Developmental Concerns:

  • Gross Motor Delays: When sitting, crawling, or walking happens later than expected

  • Coordination Difficulties: Trouble with balance, running, or age-appropriate activities

  • Muscle Tone Issues: Low tone (hypotonia) or high tone (hypertonia) affecting movement

  • Postural Challenges: Poor posture affecting attention and physical development

Injury Recovery:

  • Sports Injuries: Safe return to activities children love

  • Fracture Recovery: Regaining strength and mobility after healing

  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Specialized care after orthopedic procedures

  • Concussion Management: Comprehensive recovery support

Evidence-Based Treatment Techniques for Children

Our pediatric physiotherapists employ specialized approaches designed specifically for children's developmental needs:

Play-Based Therapy:

  • Therapeutic Games: Building strength through activities children enjoy

  • Obstacle Courses: Developing coordination and problem-solving skills

  • Sensory Integration: Addressing how children process and respond to sensory input

  • Functional Movement Training: Practicing real-life skills in fun ways

Developmental Approaches:

  • Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT): Facilitating normal movement patterns

  • Proprioceptive Training: Improving body awareness and coordination

  • Balance and Vestibular Training: Developing stability and spatial orientation

  • Strength Training: Age-appropriate exercises for growing bodies

Family-Centered Care:

  • Parent Education: Teaching you how to support development at home

  • Home Exercise Programs: Fun activities you can do together

  • School Consultation: Working with teachers to support your child's needs

  • Community Integration: Helping children participate in activities they love

Meet Our Physiotherapists

  • Photo of Sarah Maetche

    Sarah Maetche

    B Kin, MPT

    Sarah's journey in the healthcare field began with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, where her passion for helping people flourished. Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact, she pursued further education and earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Alberta in 2021. Committed to excellence, Sarah continually seeks to expand her knowledge through ongoing education, including obtaining certification in Functional Dry Needling in 2023.

    With a diverse range of interests spanning musculoskeletal conditions, neurological rehabilitation, pediatric care, and management of long-term conditions, Sarah has found her calling in private practice. She is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each patient, helping them overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals.

  • Photo of Maxime Mummolo

    Maxime Mummolo

    Max graduated with First Class Honours in Physiotherapy from the University of Leicester in 2021 and has since gained valuable experience as a Community Physiotherapist in the UK, helping hundreds of patients achieve their health and mobility goals.

    With a passion for sports rehabilitation, Max also has extensive experience in orthopedic recovery, fall prevention, chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions, and respiratory physiotherapy. He strongly believes that prevention is the best cure and is dedicated to empowering patients to take charge of their health through education and guided care.

    Since moving to Okotoks in August 2024, Max has been enjoying the outdoors with his family while continuing his lifelong passion for strength training. He’s thrilled to be part of the Big Rock team and looks forward to making a positive impact in the community! goes here

What to Expect: Your Childs Physiotherapy Journey

We understand that bringing your child for their first physiotherapy appointment can feel overwhelming. Our team is experienced in helping both children and parents feel comfortable and confident about the process.

Your Childs Initial Assessment (60 minutes)

Comprehensive Developmental Review:

  • Detailed discussion of your concerns and observations

  • Review of birth history, medical background, and current health

  • Understanding your child's interests, motivations, and challenges

  • Assessment of family goals and expectations

Child-Friendly Physical Assessment:

  • Age-appropriate movement observation and testing

  • Strength, flexibility, and coordination evaluation

  • Balance and postural assessment

  • Developmental milestone review

  • Play-based assessment techniques

Family Education and Planning:

  • Clear explanation of findings in understandable terms

  • Comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child's needs

  • Home activity suggestions to support progress

  • Coordination with other healthcare providers as needed

  • Answers to all your questions (we encourage them!)

Follow-Up Sessions (30-45 minutes)

Engaging Treatment Sessions:

  • Play-based therapeutic activities matched to your child's interests

  • Progressive skill building with appropriate challenges

  • Sensory integration activities when beneficial

  • Family involvement and education during sessions

Progress Monitoring:

  • Regular reassessment of skills and development

  • Adjustment of activities as your child grows and improves

  • Celebration of achievements to build confidence

  • Ongoing communication with you about progress

Collaborative Care:

  • Coordination with schools, daycares, and other therapists

  • Equipment recommendations when appropriate

  • Community activity guidance and modifications

  • Long-term planning for continued development

Take the First Step Toward Your Child's Success

Every child deserves the opportunity to move confidently, participate fully in childhood activities, and reach their developmental potential. Whether your child is facing specific challenges or you simply want to support their optimal development, specialized pediatric physiotherapy can make a lasting difference.

At Big Rock Chiropractic, we're committed to providing the highest quality pediatric physiotherapy in Okotoks. Our child-centered approach, combined with evidence-based techniques and genuine care for each family, creates an environment where children thrive and families feel supported.

Ready to support your child's development? Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive pediatric assessment. Together, we can help your child build the foundation for a lifetime of confident movement and success.

FAQs

At what age can children start physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy can begin as early as the first few weeks of life when concerns are identified. Early intervention is often most effective, as young brains and bodies are highly adaptable. However, children can benefit from physiotherapy at any age – it's never too late to address movement challenges or support development.

How long are typical treatment sessions?

Session length varies based on your child's age, attention span, and specific needs. Infants and toddlers typically have 30-minute sessions, while older children may have 45-minute appointments. We adjust session length to optimize your child's engagement and progress.

Will my child enjoy physiotherapy?

Absolutely! Our approach is specifically designed to make therapy feel like play. We use games, toys, and activities that match your child's interests while achieving therapeutic goals. Most children look forward to their appointments and are excited to show off their new skills.

How often will my child need to attend sessions?

Treatment frequency depends on your child's specific needs and goals. Some children benefit from twice-weekly sessions initially, while others progress well with weekly appointments. We'll discuss the optimal schedule during your assessment and adjust as your child progresses.

Can I stay with my child during sessions?

Yes! We encourage parent involvement and will teach you activities to support your child's progress at home. Your presence often helps children feel more comfortable, especially during initial sessions. As children become more comfortable, some prefer to work independently, but you're always welcome to observe.

Will you work with my child's school or daycare?

Absolutely. Collaboration with your child's educational team is often crucial for success. With your permission, we can communicate with teachers, provide strategies for the classroom, and ensure consistency between therapy and school environments.

We want your experience at Big Rock to be as seamless and easy as possible. To help with this we direct bill to almost all widely accepted Canadian benefit providers, helping you to focus on healing. Some of the insurance providers we direct bill are:

Direct Billing With All Major Healthcare Providers

  • Alberta Bluecross

  • Greenshield

  • CanadaLife

  • Sunlife

  • Desjardins Insurance

  • GroupSource

  • GroupHealth

  • Manulife

  • Peoples Corporation

  • Johnson Group

  • Equitable Life

  • Empire Life

Rest assured this is not an exhaustive list! If your provider is not on here we more than likely accept them, feel free to call or email us to be sure!

 

Come See Us At Big Rock Chiropractic, Conveniently Located In Central Okotoks

Big Rock Chiropractic, Physiotherapy & Massage

315 Woodgate Road, #101, Okotoks, AB, T1S1A8

Contact

Phone: (587) 952-7778

Email: hello@bigrockchiro.ca