Nicole Pates, Dr Nikki Milne, Dr Jenifer Dice and Anita Gross present five discussion points about paediatric spinal conditions and consider whether spinal manipulation and mobilisation are ever appropriate for this population.

The Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) has highlighted key messages from the 5 facts article featured in the November edition of InMotion and produced this infographic.

Click on the image below to access a printable A3 file.

About the authors

Nicole Pates MACP is the national chair of the APA Paediatric group and an APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist. She is deeply committed to advocating for the role of physiotherapy in paediatric healthcare. Nicole works in private practice, leading a multidisciplinary team and ensuring comprehensive care for children and families.

Dr Nikki Milne APAM is an associate professor of physiotherapy (paediatrics) and assistant dean of research at Bond University on the Gold Coast. Nikki has a special interest in child health, learning and paediatric physiotherapy and is passionate about the inclusion of an evidence-informed paediatric curriculum in entry-level physiotherapy programs.

Dr Jenifer Dice is an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Texas Woman’s University, USA. Jenifer has more than 20 years of experience in private outpatient paediatric physiotherapy and continues to practise in this field.

Anita Gross is an associate clinical professor at McMaster University, Canada. Anita is the chair of the Paediatric Taskforce on Spinal Manipulation, coordinates the Cervical Overview Group research network and participates in randomised clinical trials on back pain. She is a clinician–scientist, educator and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy.

This infographic is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative supported by FlexEze – partner of the PRF.