GEMMA ROUS INDEPENDANT PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Specialising in Children's Physiotherapy Services across North Devon.
Physiotherapy for Children
Conditions Treated
A number of different assessment and treatment techniques are used depending on the problem presented. Your physiotherapist will explain to you the treatments that they are using and why as they are carried out.
All aims of paediatric physiotherapy are to assist the child to:
- Reduce pain/discomfort
- Improve function and independence
- Increase strength and stability
- Assist in better postural alignment and movement patterns
- Learn strategies to cope with abnormal movement patterns
- Prevent any secondary complications often associated with growth
- Educate in order to increase understanding of the presenting problem(s).
Any physical presentation that impacts on your child’s physical health, or that gives you cause for concern, can be assessed. In all cases, we will be able to advise if it is suitable to see a physiotherapist or whether help from another professional is required.
Examples of types of conditions treated:
Neuro-developmental/motor delay, including work with pre-term infants
Neurological conditions ie: Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida
Developmental Co-ordination Disorder andbBalance difficulties, including Dyspraxia
Hypermobility/lax ligaments
Undiagnosed genetic/congenital conditions
Orthopaedic postural impairment ie: post-fracture complications
Musculoskeletal /pain problems in the developing child.
At Gemma Rous Independent Paediatric Physiotherapy, we believe that children are not just 'mini adults', and therefore our paediatric physiotherapy aims to make treatment fun as well as therapeutic. After all, a child's 'occupation' is to play.
Children grow and develop at different rates and what is suitable for a 6 month old is very different to the needs of a 6 year old. Treatment sessions will always be individual and tailored to the changing needs of your child.
We believe that each child is unique, therefore therapy sessions will be adapted according to the age and abilities of the child, taking into account physical impairments, cognitive abilities, congenital difficulties, sensory disorders and other unknown entities. Many factors affect neuro-development and skeletal maturation in the growing child, therefore a holistic approach that takes into account social and emotional factors alongside physical health, is always used.
GRIPP provides private physiotherapy services across North Devon to your home, childs school and in various clinic locations. We are also excited to be able to offer a Hydrotherapy/Aquatic Exercise pool for additional rehabilitation.
Following an initial assessment with GRIPP, you will be given advice on activities to carry out at home and provided with a bespoke exercise programme. Follow-up appointments will be offered to assist with ongoing treatment needs and programmes will be updated as necessary.
Have a question? Wondering if this is for you? Get in touch today and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience, email info@gripphysio.com
Gemma Rous
Helping children reach their potential each and every day
Gemma qualified from Brunel University in 2007. She is a highly experienced, Paediatric Physiotherapist. She has worked with children from 0-19 years old with special needs, who attended mainstream school, many of which had complex needs, in a range of settings and countries. She has been involved in service development, charitable organisations and working for the North Devon community paediatrics team.
In 2018 Gemma Set up GRIPPhysio (Gemma Rous Independent Paediatric Physiotherapy) and in July 2019 left her role with the North Devon team to fully focus on GRIPPhysio as her sole work. Gemma continues to work in the community treating children with physical and neurological conditions, including acquired brain injury and Cerebral Palsy.
Gemma set up “The Penguin Club” Hydrotherapy/Aquatic Physiotherapy provision in 2021 to provide support to children and families in North Devon to access much needed treatment. Gemma set up the North Devon Frame Running Club, alongside North Devon Athletics club in 2022, a para-athletics branch to the local athletics club-providing cardiovascular exercise for children with physical disabilities. Gemma is excited about establishing and developing the PSF charity and improving the lives of young people with disability in North Devon. Outside of work, Gemma enjoys participating in outdoor activities, running and being in the ocean. She currently lives in North Devon with her family.
Opening Hours
Monday - Closed
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 8:30am - 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30am - 3:00pm
Saturday & Sunday- Closed
Maintaining Professional Standards
Registrations Held
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Health Care Professions Council
Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapist
British Association of Bobath Therapists
Join us at Gemma Rous Independent Paediatric Physiotherapy and find out why the quality of our service is unmatched. Get in touch and learn how we can help you today.