**What to Expect During a Physiotherapy Session?**

A child’s initial physiotherapy session typically involves an assessment to understand their current abilities and needs. This may include gathering relevant medical and developmental history, observing movement and functional skills, and discussing parent or caregiver concerns.

Following the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop an individualised management plan informed by the assessment findings and the child’s goals. Therapy sessions may include developmentally appropriate activities, movement-based tasks, and exercises, which are often delivered in a play-based format to support engagement.

The content and focus of sessions are adjusted over time in response to the child’s progress and circumstances.

Physiotherapy could help in a number of ways!

Swipe to see all the different ways:
Gross motor development:

Crawling, walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, dancing, climbing.
Throwing, catching, kicking, hitting, and bouncing.
Coordination and balance for play, sports, and daily activities.
Muscle and joint concerns:

Muscle weakness, tightness, or abnormal tone (tight or floppy muscles).
Joint pain or stiffness from injuries, arthritis, or other conditions.
Posture and gait improvement.
Gait retraining for conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, or toe walking.
Neurological & developmental conditions:

Cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy.
Developmental disabilities including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
Infant-specific needs:

Torticollis, plagiocephaly, and developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Early movement skills — supporting babies and toddlers to crawl, walk, and explore
Functional independence:

Balance control for self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, and toileting.
Transitioning between positions (e.g. sitting to standing, lying to standing).
Building strength and endurance for daily life, school, community access, and extracurricular activities.
Sports & fitness:

Sports injuries: sprains, strains, and recovery support.
Fitness and athletic performance for children and teens.
Advanced skills like bike riding, scooter riding, or playing on playground equipment.
Post-surgical & complex care:

Rehabilitation after surgery to restore movement and function.
Chronic pain management.
Hypermobility support.
Tailored interventions:

Clinical Pilates for children and adolescents with a disability.
Serial casting.
Dynamic taping.
Soft tissue treatments, including myofascial release.
Prescription and use of assistive technology (e.g. mobility equipment).
Participation in life:

Developing the movement and coordination skills needed for home, childcare, school (indoor and outdoor), and community physical activity programs.

Colorful whimsical wall mural featuring animals, a sun, and other playful shapes in a room with black couches and pink pillows.

Potential benefits of Paediatric Physiotherapy:

- Helps babies and toddlers reach developmental milestones.
- Improves gross motor skills, strength, balance, posture, and coordination.
- Enhances muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and gait.
- Reduces pain and supports recovery from injuries or surgery.
- Makes therapy fun and motivating with playful, age-appropriate activities.
- Boosts confidence and self-esteem.
- Increases independence and participation at home, school, and in the community.
- Offers experienced support for children with autism, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, Down syndrome, and more.
- Delivers tailored help for school-aged children to overcome movement challenges.
- Works closely with parents, doctors, and other professionals to provide practical strategies and family education.