Paediatric Physiotherapy

Paediatric Physiotherapy FAQs

• What is paediatric physiotherapy?

  Paediatric physiotherapy is a specialised field of physiotherapy that focuses on children’s movement development, assisting children to learn and engage with their environments from birth to young adulthood.

  Paediatric Physiotherapists have specalised skills in assessment and treatment of children and understand typical child development. Paediatric Physiotherapists work with children and their families to achieve their goals and support them to thrive in their homes, schools and communities. 

  What conditions can be treated with paediatric physiotherapy?

  Paediatric physiotherapists can help with a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Babies who are late to reach motor milestones such as sitting, crawling and walking 
  • Children with difficulties with coordination, balance, running or tripping. 
  • Children with conditions which impact on their development such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brain Injury, Muscular Dystrophies or other congenital conditions.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions such as positional talipes (turned in feet at birth) in-toeing (pigeon toes), bowed legs, knocked knees, flat feet, toe-walking and hypermobility.
  • Head flattening (Plagiocephaly)/ torticollis
  • Rehabilitation post injury, fracture or surgery
• How is paediatric physiotherapy different from adult physiotherapy?

  Children are not mini adults, their bodies are physiologically and anatomically different which needs careful consideration when assessing and treating. 

  Paediatric physiotherapy is specialised to address these unique needs of children.

  It involves play-based activities, age-appropriate exercises, and family involvement to enhance the child’s participation and engagement in therapy to maximise their ability to participate in their community.

• How long does a paediatric physiotherapy session last?

  Session duration can vary depending on the child’s age, condition, and treatment goals. Sessions typically last between 30-60 minutes.

• How often should a child attend paediatric physiotherapy?

  The frequency of treatment will vary depending on your child’s individual needs.

  Some children may only need to see a physiotherapist once or twice, while others may need ongoing therapy.

• Do parents/caregivers participate in paediatric physiotherapy sessions?

  Yes, parental involvement is critical, parents/caregivers are experts in their children and know them best.

  Parents/caregivers may be taught exercises and activities to continue at home, and their participation is crucial for the child’s progress.

• Can paediatric physiotherapy help with developmental delays?

  Yes, paediatric physiotherapy is often a key component in addressing developmental delays.

  Early intervention can have a positive impact on a child’s motor and cognitive development.

• What happens if my child doesn't like going to physiotherapy?

  Paediatric physiotherapists are skilled at working with children and making therapy fun and engaging.

  They may use toys, games, and other activities to help your child participate in treatment.

  Sessions are also tailored to your child’s interests and preferences.

• How do we measure the effectiveness of Physiotherapy?

  Our experienced and evidence-based team of clinicians know the importance of objective assessments to best guide, educate and support a child’s journey.

  Firstly, thorough initial assessments establish baseline capabilities, ensuring that therapy goals are tailored to the child’s unique needs.

  Progress is then regularly tracked through various quantitative and qualitative measures, and many of these same measures can be used as functional assessments to guide the direction and collaboration of the wider multi-disciplinary team.

  This may include various screening tools, monitoring developmental milestones, assessing body alignment, and observing improvements in mobility, balance and coordination.

  Equally important is the child and families feedback, providing valuable insights into their daily life and functional improvements.

  This holistic approach ensures that therapy remains family-centered and adaptable, fostering a collaborative environment where each individual child and their milestones are celebrated, and treatment plans are continually refined to support each child’s growth and development.