Service overview
Paediatric Physiotherapy provides expert assessment and treatment for children and adolescents with pain, injury, or musculoskeletal problems. Growing bodies respond differently to stress and injury compared to adults, so care must be tailored to the unique needs of young people.
This service focuses on diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and growth-related issues to postural concerns and recovery after surgery. By understanding child development and growth patterns, treatment is adapted to help children recover safely, prevent future problems, and maintain confidence in their movement.
The aim is not only to reduce pain but also to restore function, promote healthy physical development, and ensure children can return to their daily activities, sports, and hobbies as quickly and safely as possible.
Some of the typical problems treated include:
Back and neck pain (including posture-related issues, Scheuermann’s disease, scoliosis)
Hip & pelvis issues like Perthes disease, slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE), developmental dysplasia of the hip, apophysitis & avulsions
Knee pain from conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter’s, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome, patella tendinopathy, patellofemoral joint pain
Ankle & foot pain: ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, Sever’s disease, flat feet
Shoulder pain (rotator cuff injuries, bursitis)
Post-operative rehab (after fractures, ligament surgery, dislocations etc.)
Specialist Care for Young People
Treatment tailored to the unique needs of growing bodies.
Early Diagnosis & Recovery
Allows for quicker treatment and reduced risk of long-term complications.
Support for Growth & Activity
Helps children stay active and confident in everyday life.
What to expect?
Initial Consultation
The first session will include a detailed discussion about the child’s symptoms, medical history, activity levels, and any concerns from parents or guardians. This helps build a full picture of the problem and ensures the assessment is age-appropriate and child-friendly.
Examination & Findings
A physical examination will be carried out to identify the source of pain or difficulty. This may include looking at posture, strength, flexibility, movement patterns, and any growth-related factors. The findings will then be clearly explained, with reassurance and guidance provided for both the child and parent/guardian.
Treatment Plan & Follow-Up
A personalised treatment plan will be created, which may involve exercises, activity modifications, manual therapy, or advice for school and sport. Progress will be monitored in follow-up sessions, with adjustments made as the child develops or as their needs change. The focus is always on safe recovery, confidence in movement, and return to normal activities.
Treatments available
Children must be 8 years or older to access paediatric physiotherapy. Because every child develops differently, not all practitioners accept patients from this age, so availability may vary depending on the clinic or therapist.
At the first appointment, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the child. If this isn’t possible, written consent from a parent or guardian will be required before treatment can begin. For younger children especially, ongoing sessions are best attended with a parent present to ensure comfort and understanding.
Paediatric physiotherapy is delivered by practitioners with specialist training in the needs of growing bodies. They adapt treatment to suit developmental stages and growth patterns. However, it’s important to note that some complex conditions—such as cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, or brain injuries—are not treated under this service.