THE ANSWER IS YES. Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic syndrome occurring sporadically / by chance caused by the loss of chromosome 15. It is extremely rare but with the right guidance, support and treatment all children can live a long and fulfilling life.
Symptoms:
- Excessive hunger and over eating.
- Low muscle tone with global weakness affecting development of advanced gross motor and fine motor skills.
- Behavioural and learning problems.
- Delayed bone growth leading to a short stature.
- Commonly have narrowed temples and a thin upper lip
How can a physiotherapist help a child with PWS?
Every child is different and would need a full assessment to determine the best treatment plan and set specific functional goals for each child and family. It’s also important to measure success using outcome measures such as the GMFM Gross motor Function measure. An experienced paediatric physiotherapist is also able to make the physio sessions fun and interesting for the child.
Strategies that the physiotherapist can use include:
- develop gross motor skills from facilitating a child how to roll, sit, pull to stand.
- develop advanced gross motor skills such as running, jumping, climbing etc
- helping a child keep fit and active to burn calories
- advice re local sport / leisure clubs tailored to your child’s needs
- monitor spinal alignment as small risk of developing a spinal curve (scoliosis)
- build strength in low tone muscles not only within legs but arms also
- refer for an orthotics assessment if required to help support your child’s feet if they roll in excessively.
Physiocomestoyou Ltd has paediatric physiotherapists on our team experienced in treating children with PWD. Contact us now to book a first appointment.