Choose physio to get active and fit.
September 8 was World Physiotherapy Day.
World Physiotherapy Day is a global event recognising the role physiotherapists play in helping kids, young people and adults living with long-term conditions, to achieve their goals, fulfil their potential and participate in their community.
Physiotherapists – or physios – play an important role in advocating and supporting physical activity in daily life.
Our Novita physiotherapists work with kids with a range of diagnoses. Regardless of their diagnosis or how they move around (independently, using a walker or using a wheelchair), movement and physical activity is important to promote health, comfort and fitness.
There’s also plenty of evidence showing that everyday activity promotes optimal health in kids and teens aged 5-17 years old.
Movement and physical activity support:
- healthy bones, muscles and joints
- a healthy cardiovascular system (heart and lungs)
- development and improvement in coordination and movement control
- maintaining a healthy body weight.
Physical activity can also have some psychological benefits for young people, by improving symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also assist with social development, self-confidence and social interaction.
For kids and teens aged 5-17, the recommended amount of physical activity to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, is at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity every day.
Activities that strengthen muscles and bones should also be included at least three times per week.
If your child or teen isn’t currently doing any physical activity, then anything below the above recommended amounts will still be beneficial. It’s important to start slowly.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask a physio!
Novita physiotherapists can give you advice and activities to support and motivate kids and teens to become more physically active.
We also have Groups, like Novita Fitness, which offers kids living with movement disorders or physical disability the opportunity to be involved in an individualised fitness and strengthening program using gym equipment.
Some of our other Groups use Pilates and yoga-inspired exercise to assist kids to learn more about themselves, how to keep their bodies strong and flexible, and the opportunity to try out something new!
Chat to a physiotherapist today to learn more about getting active and fit!
Call us on 1300 668 482
