Sports & Family Medicine Doctor in Dubai | UPANDRUNNING

MEET DANIELA FERREIRA

Pediatric Physiotherapist
Your trusted scoliosis expert for growing children and teens

Brazilian and British trained physiotherapist, over 20 years of experience with special interest in conditions related to musculoskeletal complains, babies and children orthopedics, developmental delays, respiratory physiotherapy, pre and post operatory physiotherapy, scoliosis and other spinal deformities aiming to achieve optimal functionality.

As a pediatric physiotherapist Daniela integrates the principles of Schroth method into a child centred approach to care, combining three -dimensional scoliosis specific treatment with
broader developmental support. This includes detailed postural assessment, individualized
exercise program, and breathing techniques tailored not only to spinal alignment but also to
each child’s age, growth stage and a functional need. By incorporating play, movement and
education, Daniela helps children to improve posture, strength and body awareness while
empowering their families to carry these corrections into everyday activities for long term
spinal health and overall development.

Expertise

Common conditions that Daniela treats
Treatment that looks beyond the injury — to everything driving it

Infant and Adolescent Scoliosis

  • Spinal curvature monitoring and progression management
  • Scoliosis-specific exercise programs (Schroth, SEAS)
  • Postural retraining and brace management support

Structural and/or Functional Thoracic Hyper Kyphosis

  • Assessment of upper back rounding and contributing factors
  • Mobility, strengthening, and postural correction programs
  • Ergonomic education and home exercise guidance

Pediatric Pre/Post-Operative Interventions

  • Pre-operative conditioning to optimise surgical outcomes
  • Tailored post-operative rehabilitation programs
  • Staged return to activity in collaboration with surgical teams

Fractures Post Cast Removal

  • Restoring range of motion and strength after immobilisation
  • Management of stiffness, swelling, and muscle atrophy
  • Guided return to sport and daily activities

Pediatric sports injuries

  • Assessment and rehab of acute and overuse injuries
  • Sport-specific return-to-play programs
  • Injury prevention and load management advice

Tip Toe Walking

  • Identifying idiopathic vs neurological causes
  • Calf stretching and ankle mobility programs
  • Gait retraining for heel-toe walking patterns

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

  • Load management and activity modification
  • Quadriceps and hamstring flexibility programs
  • Taping, bracing, and return-to-sport planning

Sever's Disease

  • Heel pain management in growing children
  • Calf stretching and footwear or orthotic advice
  • Activity modification and return-to-sport guidance

Developmental Delay

  • Gross motor milestone assessment and monitoring
  • Play-based therapy targeting strength, balance, and coordination
  • Family-centred goal-setting and multidisciplinary collaboration

Flat Feet

  • Differentiating flexible vs rigid flat foot presentations

  • Foot strengthening, gait analysis, and alignment assessment

  • Orthotic and footwear recommendations

Torticollis

  • Assessment of neck tightness and head tilt
  • Stretching, strengthening, and caregiver handling techniques
  • Early intervention to prevent secondary complications

Plagiocephaly

  • Assessment of head shape asymmetry and contributing factors
  • Repositioning strategies and tummy time programs
  • Monitoring and helmet therapy referral when indicated

Pediatric Chest Physiotherapy

  • Airway clearance for respiratory conditions (cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis)

  • Breathing exercises and postural drainage techniques

  • Family education on self-management and respiratory health

Expertise & Approach

Techniques & Methods

Specialised therapeutic approaches tailored to each patient’s needs

Schroth Method

  • Exercise-based approach to managing scoliosis in children and teens
  • Uses specific movements, breathing techniques, and postural training tailored
    to your child's unique spinal curve
  • Delivered by a certified therapist to an international standard, with a personalized home program your child can continue independently

Rigo Concept

  • A specialised approach to scoliosis treatment based on a detailed understanding of your child’s curve type
  • Creates a highly personalised exercise plan designed to get the best possible results
  • Often used alongside brace treatment to support your child’s spinal health from every angle

Lacey Assessment of the Preterm Infant

  • A gentle, structured assessment designed specifically for premature babies

  • Helps identify early developmental concerns so support can begin as soon as
    possible

  • Gives parents a clearer picture of their baby’s progress and needs

Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS)

  • A simple observational tool used to track how your baby is developing their movement and motor skills
  • Identifies babies who may need extra support to reach milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking
  • Helps monitor your child’s progress over time to make sure they’re on the right track

When to Book

Experiencing any of these?

We’re here to help.

Ready to schedule?

Book your consultation today and take the first step towards better health.

Ready to schedule?

Book your consultation today and take the first step towards better health.

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