What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?

Paediatric physiotherapy focuses on supporting babies, children, and adolescents with physical development, movement, mobility, and function. It may be helpful when a child is having difficulty keeping up with age-appropriate physical skills, recovering from injury or surgery, or needing support with strength, balance, coordination, walking, posture, or gross motor development.

Physiotherapy for children is not one-size-fits-all. Some children need short-term support for a specific concern, while others may benefit from ongoing therapy as part of broader developmental, disability, or rehabilitation goals.

How Physiotherapy May Help Children

Paediatric physiotherapy may assist with:

• gross motor development

• movement skills

• balance and coordination

• walking and mobility

• strength and endurance

• posture and body awareness

• confidence with movement and physical activity

• participation in play, sport, school, and community activities

• rehabilitation after injury, illness, or surgery

• disability-related physical support

• mobility aid or equipment recommendations where appropriate

Support is always tailored to the child’s presentation, goals, tolerance, and broader medical or developmental context.

Who Paediatric Physiotherapy May Support

Children may attend physiotherapy for a wide range of reasons, including:

• developmental delays

• gross motor concerns

• low muscle tone or reduced strength

• balance and coordination difficulties

• walking differences

• neurological conditions

• physical disabilities

• musculoskeletal conditions or injuries

• post-surgical rehabilitation

• rehabilitation following illness or hospitalisation

• reduced endurance or physical confidence

• support to improve participation in everyday activities

The role of physiotherapy depends on the child and may change over time as their needs, goals, and routines change.

A Functional and Family-Centred Approach

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we understand that children learn best when therapy is meaningful, practical, and suited to their developmental stage. Our paediatric physiotherapy sessions are designed to support the child’s functional goals in a way that is engaging and appropriate for them.

We work with children and families to support goals related to movement, mobility, strength, play, participation, independence, and confidence. Where relevant, therapy may also involve collaboration with parents, carers, teachers, support workers, and other members of the child’s care team.

What to Expect at an Appointment

Your child’s physiotherapy appointment will usually begin with a discussion about their history, current concerns, development, physical abilities, daily routines, and goals. Assessment may include observation of movement, balance, posture, strength, mobility, coordination, gross motor skills, and participation in functional tasks.

Treatment recommendations are tailored to the child and may include movement-based activities, exercise, rehabilitation strategies, parent education, home program ideas, and practical strategies to support carryover into everyday life.

Therapy That Supports Participation

Our goal is not simply to practise isolated exercises. We focus on helping children participate as fully as possible in the activities that matter to them. Depending on the child, this may include support for:

• getting on and off the floor

• climbing, running, jumping, and playground skills

• balance and coordination during play

• managing stairs and community mobility

• physical confidence at school or sport

• recovering movement and strength after injury or surgery

• building endurance for everyday activities

• improving access to play, learning, and community participation
  
  

Physiotherapy in a Supportive Environment

We aim to make physiotherapy a positive experience for children and families. Sessions may take place in clinic, at home, in other community settings where appropriate, or through telehealth depending on the child’s needs and the suitability of the service format.

Our clinics in Malaga and Noranda provide access to therapy spaces designed to support movement-based intervention in a welcoming allied health environment.

FAQ

What does a paediatric physiotherapist do?

A paediatric physiotherapist assesses and supports babies, children, and adolescents with movement, mobility, gross motor skills, balance, strength, coordination, and physical function. Therapy is tailored to the child’s needs, goals, and stage of development.

What age can a child see a physiotherapist?

Children of different ages may see a physiotherapist, from infancy through to adolescence, depending on the reason for referral and the type of support needed.

Can physiotherapy help with developmental delay?

Physiotherapy may assist some children with developmental delay where gross motor development, mobility, strength, balance, or physical participation are areas of concern.

Can physiotherapy help my child with walking or balance difficulties?

Yes, physiotherapy may help assess and support children who are having difficulty with walking, balance, coordination, movement confidence, or age-expected gross motor skills.

Does my child need a diagnosis to see a physiotherapist?

No. Some children attend physiotherapy because of a diagnosis, while others attend because parents, carers, teachers, or health professionals have concerns about movement, mobility, physical development, or participation.

What happens at the first appointment?

The first appointment usually includes discussion of your child’s history, your concerns and goals, and a physical assessment relevant to the reason for referral. Your physiotherapist will then talk through recommendations and possible next steps.

Can physiotherapy help after surgery or injury?

Yes, physiotherapy may form part of rehabilitation after surgery, injury, illness, or hospitalisation, depending on the child’s needs and the treating team’s recommendations.

Do you offer physiotherapy for children with disability?

Yes. Paediatric physiotherapy may support children with disability where help is needed with mobility, movement, gross motor skills, physical participation, strength, balance, equipment needs, or everyday function.

Can therapy be provided at home or school?

In some cases, physiotherapy may be available through mobile services depending on the child’s needs, location, and the suitability of the environment for therapy.

Do I need a referral for my child to see a physiotherapist?

Many children can be booked directly for physiotherapy. Some may also attend with a referral from a GP, paediatrician, specialist, school, case manager, or another health professional depending on the family’s circumstances and funding pathway.

Book Paediatric Physiotherapy

If your child is having difficulty with movement, mobility, balance, coordination, gross motor development, strength, endurance, or participation in everyday activities, contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health to discuss whether paediatric physiotherapy may be appropriate.

Paediatric physiotherapy appointments may be available in clinic, via mobile services, or through telehealth where appropriate.

Our Clinic Locations

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.