Our Services
Nurturing Little Bodies, Supporting Big Dreams: Our Paediatric Physiotherapy Services
Infant and Baby Physiotherapy
The first 12 months of a child’s life is a busy time. Children are achieving a new skill every month. Any delay in milestone attainment can be significant. Children can sometimes get stuck in a position due to tightness or weakness which can contribute to frustration.
Sometimes conditions such as torticollis, plagiocephaly, hip dysplasia, neurological, congenital or genetic causes can contribute to delay.
If you are worried about delayed attainment of milestones, or would like your child assessed to see how they are tracking, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Gross Motor Delay
Gross motor delay refers to when children are not able to demonstrate skills such as walking, running, jumping or hopping - the bigger movements! Sometimes this can reduce how much children can participate with peers at school or sport.
Children may need support in attaining gross motor skills for various reasons. A physiotherapist will work with you to build your child strength and coordination to assist in gross motor skill acquisition.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills is the ability to use our hands with strength, control and endurance. Specific tasks associated with fine motor skills includes handwriting, use of tweezers, buttons, zips, tying shoelaces and more.
Often reduced fine motor skills can be due to weakness or reduced coordination in the hands or can be secondary to attempting a skill in a difficult posture.
A physiotherapist can help to identify what the cause of fine motor delay is, and provide therapy to increase muscle coordination in this area.
Urinary and Fecal Incontinence and Constipation
Urinary and fecal concerns are very common in children aged 5 and over - almost 20% of children may experience concerns.
Incontinence and constipation can be very distressing for families and can sometimes contribute to reduced sleep and increased stress and worry.
It is important to identify the cause of constipation or incontinence in children as there is a lot we can do depending on the cause.
Whilst treatment can involve strategies such as increasing water or fiber intake, there is a LOT more that a physiotherapist with additional training in this area can do.
Please reach out if you have any concerns in this area - big or small. This is one of our favourite areas to treat.
Neurological and Congenital Conditions
A formal diagnosis of neurological or congenital origin can mean different things for different kiddos. Most often, in physiotherapy a diagnosis does not drastically change treatment approaches. There are exceptions to this, however for the most part we are still working on increasing gross and fine motor skills.
Children with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury, Brachial Plexus Nerve Palsy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Spina Bifida, Trisomy 21, Down Syndrome or other syndromes can benefit greatly from physiotherapy intervention.
Headache, Fatigue, Pain and Concussion
Children with headache, nausea or abdominal migraine benefit from physiotherapy intervention. It is important to identify these conditions early to ensure children are receiving the best support. Additionally, concussion can also often present with these symptoms and require physiotherapy to help get kids back to school or sport.
Other conditions such as chronic fatigue or chronic pain also benefit greatly from assessment within a multi-disciplinary team. A coordinated approach is always best for these children to encourage return to activity.
If your child is experiencing headaches, fatigue, pain or concussion, please get in contact to chat through what treatment options may be available.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Children with persistent pain should always see a paediatric specific physiotherapist. In addition to growing pains, children may also suffer from specific conditions such as Severs disease, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Osgood Schlatters, hip conditions such as Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) which warrant thorough assessment.
Children may also be involved in sporting injuries such as ankle sprains or require post fracture rehabilitation following a long duration in a cast.
Other conditions that may require paediatric physiotherapy intervention include leg length discrepencies, bow-legs, in-toeing and out-toeing.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy or water therapy, is a therapeutic approach that utilizes water for treating various conditions and promoting overall wellness.
The properties of water, including buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and resistance, provide a unique environment for rehabilitation and relaxation. Buoyancy reduces the effects of gravity, allowing individuals to move with less strain on their joints and muscles, making hydrotherapy particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or recovering from injuries.
Toe Walking
Toe walking occurs when children walk on their toes or the balls of their feet without their heels touching the ground. While it's common in for short durations in toddlers learning to walk, persistent toe walking beyond early childhood can indicate an underlying issue that may require attention.
Proper assessment is essential for identifying the underlying cause of toe walking. Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes and more targeted treatment approaches. Effective treatment strategies for toe walking depend on the underlying cause and the individual's specific needs. We explore various interventions through our joint podiatry and physiotherapy clinic including orthotic devices, serial casting, stretching exercises and strengthening programs.
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Help Starts Here!
If you're seeking care for your child's physical development and well-being, we're here to help. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective treatment tailored to your child's unique needs. Whether your child is experiencing difficulties with mobility, balance, coordination, or other physical challenges, we're here to support them on their journey toward improved strength, function, and independence.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward unlocking your child's full potential.