Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICUs) is for those infants who are preterm, have low birth weight, perinatal problems, congenital abnormalities, respiratory disorders, neuromuscular disorders or for those who have undergone thoraco-abdominal surgery. A NICU has advanced life support equipment and a team of highly skilled specialist to meet the unique needs of newborn babies.
What is Neonatal Physiotherapy?
Babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have special physical and emotional needs.
- Physiotherapy for babies in the NICU is personalized to each infant's needs.
- Paediatric physiotherapist care for the most seriously ill babies who may face medical challenges.
- Babies who have difficulty bonding or feel stress related to their care, hence they design unique treatment plans to support premature or other critically ill infants and help NICU nurses and parents better care for them.
- Neonatal or Paediatric Physiotherapist treats the smallest patients at their most vulnerable state, achieving the outcomes that affect the rest of their lives.
- They know how to help these babies overcome their unique challenges. Physical therapists work with babies in the NICU — and their parents — to help promote bonding and healthy development.
There are different levels of care or treatment that is provided in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit:
- Level 1 :Newborns born 35 - 37 week gestation
- Level 2 : Special Care Nursery : Above 32 weeks gestation and weigh >1500g
- Level 3: Provide life support : Βelow 32 weeks gestation and <1500g
Role of Physiotherapy in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit :
The presence of a physiotherapist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been found to be influential in reducing physical impairments, limitations in infants, and also in educating the family on how to provide optimal care for their newborn.Parent's education and cooperation are very essential regarding the NICU physiotherapy and invasive procedures adopted in the NICU.
The practice pattern of physiotherapists for neonates in neonatal intensive care units involves both chest physiotherapy as well neuromuscular physiotherapy. Paediatric or neonatal physiotherapists work with families throughout their stay in the NICU.
Physiotherapists can help babies with a wide variety of medical conditions such as:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Newborn brain injury
- Neurological conditions
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Genetic conditions
For older children and adults, physiotherapy (PT) is a way to improve muscle strength and movement or rehabilitate after an injury whereas Neonatal physiotherapy has different goals. Touch can increase the breathing and heart rates of babies in the NICU. This can make routine care, feeding and movement stressful for infants.
Early intervention in the NICU may alter neuroplasticity and reorganisation of the brain in preterm infants.
The theory behind neonatal therapy is three-fold:
- Protect the neonatal brain
- Optimise the environment
- Support the family
The neonatal physiotherapists are specialised to help comfort the smallest, most vulnerable patients. Their work promotes bonding, healing and development of motor skills. This can help babies feed, sleep and breathe better, and leave the hospital sooner.
Physiotherapy and other interventions that can be given in the NICU:
- Kangaroo Care
- Non-Nutritive Sucking/Swallowing
- Positioning
- Physical Activity
- Family Education
- Environment
- Lighting
- Sound
- Temperature
- Pain
- Brace Fabrication
CURA Advanced Physiotherapy is determined in giving the best care and treatment from the earliest. We provide proper education and awareness to both the couples who are planning or trying to get pregnant and to new parents. We have the best pregnancy care team which includes Gynecologist, Birth Consultant, Women's Health Specialist, Child and Adult counseling, parental coach and of course Paediatric Physiotherapist to guide you throughout your pregnancy and also after birth.
Resources :
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Neonatal_Physiotherapy_Intervention
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Neonatal_Intensive_Care_Unit_(NICU)
Dr.Manisha Vishwa MPT (Paediatric Neurosciences)
Dr.Manisha Vishwa PT is Co-Founder & Residential Director of Cura Advanced Physiotherapy. She is certified in Neurodevelopment Therapy & PNF Techniques. She is a certified Stotts Pilates practitioner,in addition to that she is an excellent Dry Needling Therapist & Osteopathic Spinal Mannual Therapist.
