Expert Paediatric Insights from Adelaide Children’s Physio
Strokes are commonly associated with older adults, but they can also affect children—even newborns. A major consequence of a stroke, in both adults and children, is hemiplegia, which causes paralysis on one side of the body. While the condition may appear similar across age groups, its impact, treatment, and long-term outcomes can vary drastically between children and adults.
At Adelaide Children’s Physio, we specialize exclusively in pediatric neurological physiotherapy in London, and we understand the nuanced differences in how hemiplegia stroke presents in children. This article explores these differences in detail and explains why child-specific care is crucial for better outcomes.
What Is Hemiplegia?
Hemiplegia is a form of paralysis affecting one side of the body—typically resulting from damage to the opposite side of the brain. This can affect the arm, leg, and occasionally the muscles of the face. The leading cause of hemiplegia in both children and adults is a stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
Understanding Stroke in Children vs. Adults
While stroke is well-known in adult populations, it’s often overlooked in children. Strokes in children are rare, yet their impact can be profoundly life-altering. Let’s compare how stroke and hemiplegia impact children and adults differently.
• Adults:
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Atherosclerosis
• Lifestyle factors like smoking or poor diet
• Children:
• Congenital heart defects
• Blood clotting disorders
• Infections such as meningitis
• Trauma at birth
• Sickle cell disease
Since the underlying causes are vastly different, so too are the diagnostic and treatment approaches.
In adults, stroke symptoms often include:
In children, the signs may be subtle or misattributed to developmental issues:
At Adelaide Children’s Physio, early intervention is critical because undiagnosed pediatric strokes can lead to long-term functional and developmental challenges.
Neuroplasticity: A Key Difference
One of the most crucial distinctions between children and adults in stroke recovery lies in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.
• Children’s brains are highly plastic, meaning they have a greater potential to “rewire” around damaged areas.
• Adults have limited neuroplasticity, which can slow recovery and limit regaining full function.
This is why pediatric rehabilitation must be dynamic, engaging, and developmentally appropriate—precisely what we deliver at Adelaide Children’s Physio.
Pediatric Hemiplegia: Long-Term Impact
While adults may regain independence through intensive therapy, children often face developmental delays due to hemiplegia.
This can affect:
• Motor skills: Difficulty crawling, walking, or using hands effectively
• Speech: Aphasia or delayed language development
• Cognition: Learning difficulties or memory issues
• Psychosocial development: Reduced confidence or social interaction problems
Children with hemiplegia stroke need long-term, specialized care that adapts to their growing bodies and evolving needs.
Why a Paediatric-Specific Clinic Matters
At Adelaide Children’s Physio, our clinic is exclusively dedicated to pediatric care. This means:
• All equipment is child-sized and suitable for safe movement and play-based therapy
• Our therapists are trained in child psychology, communication, and development
• Treatment plans are designed to grow with the child
• We collaborate closely with pediatricians, schools, and parents
We don’t just treat the condition—we help children reach their fullest potential despite it.
Treatment Approaches at Adelaide Children’s Physio
Using developmental milestone checklists, movement analysis, and imaging reports (if available), we identify the extent of hemiplegia. Even if a stroke occurred months or years prior, targeted therapy can still yield life-changing improvements.
Therapy sessions are designed around functional goals, such as:
• Learning to crawl or walk
• Improving hand function
• Regaining balance and coordination
• Enhancing communication through gestures and play
NDT focuses on improving postural control, movement patterns, and motor planning. We engage children in playful activities that encourage them to use their affected limbs, enhancing strength and power over time.
This method limits the use of the stronger limb to encourage movement and strength in the weaker side. It’s especially effective in children due to their plasticity and natural curiosity.
Aquatic therapy helps reduce spasticity and support movement in a low-impact environment. It’s fun, engaging, and builds confidence.
Parents and carers are vital in reinforcing therapy goals at home. We teach families how to adapt play, daily routines, and environments to support recovery.
Tracking Progress: Milestones Matter
Unlike adults, children with hemiplegia have to navigate developmental stages while managing their condition. Our therapists routinely evaluate:
At Adelaide Children’s Physio, progress isn’t just about movement—it’s about giving your child the tools to thrive in everyday life.
How We’re Different From Adult Clinics
Parents searching for Hemiplegia stroke London support can often feel overwhelmed by clinics designed primarily for adults. At Adelaide Children’s Physio, we understand that children aren’t just smaller versions of adults—they have entirely different developmental needs.
While adult stroke clinics tend to focus on recovery and regaining independence, our approach is centered on fostering development and growth, helping your child achieve critical milestones in a nurturing, age-appropriate way.
Instead of using generic exercises for motor function, we design play-based, engaging therapy sessions that make progress feel like fun. Our clinic is equipped with specialized pediatric tools and toys, not adult-sized equipment, ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment.
Perhaps most importantly, we place a strong emphasis on family involvement, offering practical home strategies and guidance to ensure therapy continues beyond the clinic walls. At Adelaide Children’s Physio, we provide a dedicated space where your child’s unique needs are truly understood and prioritized.
Your Next Step: Help Starts Here
If your child has been diagnosed with hemiplegia following a stroke—or if you suspect delayed movement or weakness on one side—don’t wait. The earlier therapy begins the better the long-term outcome.
Adelaide Children’s Physio is the go-to destination for hemiplegia stroke in London—offering dedicated, compassionate, and scientifically-backed care tailored just for children.
📞 Call us now to book an assessment
Hemiplegia caused by stroke affects children and adults in very different ways. While adult stroke rehabilitation focuses on regaining lost function, children require support to build their abilities from the ground up. That’s why a pediatric specialist clinic like Adelaide Children’s Physio is essential for children recovering from stroke.
If you’re searching for Expert care for hemiplegia stroke in London, you’ve found it. Let’s help your child move freely, grow confidently, and live fully.