Formerly Physio for Kids, Milena Perini is excited to launch a new brand VIVA!

Specialized Pediatric
Physiotherapy Services in Kelowna

Supporting Your
Child’s Development

VIVA Pediatric Physio offers individualized, play-based therapy for children, addressing developmental, neuromuscular, and orthopedic conditions.

BOOK ONLINE

WITH MILENA PERINI

OR CALL TO BOOK

250-212-6342
WHY

VIVA PHYSIO CLINIC

At VIVA Pediatric Physio, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your child. We believe in a holistic and collaborative approach, working closely with families and healthcare providers to achieve the best possible outcomes. Here’s what sets us apart:

Individualized Therapy Sessions

We understand that every child is unique. Our therapy sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of your child and your family, creating a supportive environment for growth and healing.

Comprehensive Treatment Focus

Core Focus Areas of Comprehensive Pediatric Physiotherapy: 

    • Thorough Assessment and evaluation
    • Collaborative Goal Settings
    • Targeted Therapeutic Interventions
    • Consistent Progress monitoring
    • Proactive Preventive care

Engaging and Play-Based Approach

Children are naturally motivated by play! We incorporate fun and engaging activities into every session to maximize your child’s motivation, learning, and progress. Our play-based therapy is carefully designed to support cognitive and motor skill development at each stage.

Family Involvement and Education

We believe that family involvement is crucial for successful outcomes. We empower parents with the knowledge and tools to support their child’s progress at home, providing:

  • Personalized Home Exercise Programs
  • Guidance on Postural and Handling Techniques
  • Education on Adaptive Equipment (if needed)
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Feedback

Collaborative Care with Healthcare Providers

Effective communication with other healthcare providers is fundamental to pediatric physiotherapy, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to care. Through collaboration and sharing of insights with doctors, occupational therapists, speech therapists, Chiropractors, and other specialists allows us to develop well-rounded and comprehensive care plans uniquely tailored to meet each child’s individual needs.

PHYSIO SERVICES

Baby Wellness & Milestone Checks

We provide a comprehensive motor development assessment designed to evaluate your baby’s gross motor skills. This assessment offers a valuable opportunity for parents to inquire about crucial topics such as positioning, play strategies, and developmental milestones.

Bump to Baby program

Bump to Baby,  is a comprehensive prenatal and postpartum program designed by Milena to educate and support parents-to-be. The program consists of two appointments: one prior to the baby’s arrival and another four weeks postpartum.

 

Conditions We Treat

VIVA provides tailored tips and techniques to support your child in achieving their next developmental skills, including:

Torticollis

Torticollis occurs when one side of a baby’s neck muscles is tighter than the other, causing them to favour looking in one direction. If not addressed early, this condition can lead to postural imbalances. During the assessment, Milena will evaluate your baby’s neck to identify the source of the tightness. She will then provide effective education, practical positioning strategies, and targeted exercises to promote balanced neck movement and improve your baby’s overall comfort.

Head Shape

Plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly refer to an uneven shape of a baby’s head This condition can often be associated with torticollis. Milena will conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether the head flattening is related to shortened neck muscle and offer specific positioning tips, exercises, and detailed measurements to monitor your baby’s head shape progress over time. This proactive approach aims to prevent further complications and promote healthy head development.

Hypotonia

Hypotonia, characterized by decreased muscle tone, can manifest in various ways. It may present as benign congenital hypotonia or signal underlying conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, particularly when accompanied by progressive loss of muscle tone. Early detection during infancy is crucial for effective intervention. Milena is equipped to assess your baby’s muscle tone comprehensively and will guide you through appropriate exercises and strategies to support muscle development and strength.

Gross Motor Delays

Gross motor delays refer to a lag in the development of large muscle movements, which can affect a child’s ability to crawl, walk, or engage in other physical activities. Our physiotherapists specialize in identifying the underlying causes of these delays and will work collaboratively with you to create a customized intervention plan. This plan may include targeted exercises, play-based activities, and guidance on fostering a supportive environment for your child’s physical development.

Idiopathic Toe Walking

Idiopathic toe walking occurs when a child continues to walk on their tiptoes beyond the age of three. While some children may naturally toe walk as part of their developmental phase, persistent toe walking can lead to complications such as tightness in the calf muscles and reduced ankle mobility. Early intervention is crucial to prevent potential long-term effects on gait and overall lower limb function. A comprehensive assessment and tailored therapeutic strategies will address this condition, ensuring your child achieves a more functional and balanced walking pattern.

Flat Feet

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common condition where the arch of the foot is either absent or significantly reduced. This can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and difficulty with various physical activities. Milena will evaluate your child’s foot structure and gait mechanics to determine the most effective interventions. We provide customized exercise programs, education on proper footwear, and strategies to promote optimal foot alignment and function.

Genu Valgus and Genu Varum

Genu valgum, commonly referred to as “knock-knees,” is characterized by inward angling of the knees, where the knees touch each other when the legs are straightened. Children with significant valgus deformities may find it challenging to touch their feet together while keeping their legs straight. This condition can affect balance and mobility, potentially leading to discomfort or pain. Milena will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the condition and develop a targeted treatment plan that may include strengthening exercises and gait training.

Genu varum, or bow-leggedness, is defined by outward bowing at the knees, resulting in an inward angle of the lower legs. This condition can lead to altered gait patterns and may cause joint discomfort over time. Milena will assess your child’s leg alignment and gait mechanics, providing individualized treatment options to improve alignment and support healthy development.

Intoeing

Intoeing, often referred to as “pigeon-toed,” occurs when a child’s feet point inward while walking. This can be caused by various factors, including foot structure, hip alignment, or tibial rotation. A comprehensive evaluation process identifies the underlying cause of the intoeing and allows us to create a tailored intervention plan that may include specific exercises, stretches, and strategies to promote more functional walking patterns.

Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions can significantly impact a child’s physical development and motor skills. These conditions may present with various symptoms, including muscle weakness, coordination challenges, and difficulties with balance. With years of experience, Milena is equipped to assess and manage a range of neurological disorders, providing tailored therapy that focuses on improving motor function, enhancing coordination, and supporting overall development.
Milena is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to support your child’s physical development and navigate these challenges, helping your child reach their fullest potential.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, which can develop during the growth spurts of childhood or adolescence. This curvature can manifest as a C- or S-shape, potentially leading to physical imbalances and discomfort. Early detection and intervention are crucial to managing scoliosis effectively. A comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan that may include physiotherapy, and education on posture and body mechanics to help alleviate symptoms and promote optimal spinal alignment.

Growing Pains

Growing pains are common discomforts experienced by children, typically occurring in the evening or at night. While the exact cause of growing pains is not well understood, they are often associated with increased physical activity and growth spurts. Symptoms may include aching or throbbing sensations in the legs. Milena can provide guidance on managing these pains through appropriate stretching, strengthening exercises, and strategies for maintaining overall musculoskeletal health, helping to ensure that growing pains do not interfere with daily activities or sleep.

Poor Posture

Poor posture can have a significant impact on a child’s overall health and well-being. Factors such as prolonged sitting, heavy backpacks, and improper body mechanics during activities can contribute to poor alignment. This can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and long-term musculoskeletal issues. Assessing postural habits and providing individualized strategies, including ergonomic advice, strengthening exercises, and stretches, will promote better posture and prevent related complications.

Pediatric Migraines

Migraines can affect children and adolescents, presenting as severe headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances. The triggers for migraines can vary widely, including stress, certain foods, and changes in sleep patterns. Milena will offer a comprehensive approach to managing migraines, including an assessment of potential triggers, lifestyle modifications, and targeted therapeutic interventions.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a condition characterized by difficulties in the development of motor skills, which can impact a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks such as writing, playing sports, and participating in physical activities. Children with DCD may struggle with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills, leading to frustration and decreased confidence. Milena specializes in assessing and addressing DCD through customized therapy programs that focus on improving motor skills, enhancing coordination, and building confidence in physical activities. She will work closely with families to provide strategies that support ongoing development and foster independence.