Paediatric physiotherapy is focussed on the developing child and our paediatric physiotherapist has a wealth of experience in treating children from 0-17.

Children are not just small adults and as such require detailed and thorough assessment with not only the child but also through information gathering from the parents or guardian and any other providers involved in a child’s care.

What can I come and see the specialist paediatric physiotherapist for?

  • General aches and pains
  • Hypermobility including generalised joint pains (inc. EDS)
  • Any back or neck pain including scoliosis
  • Posture, ergonomics, back care
  • Perthes / hip impingement
  • Anterior knee pain or dislocation
  • Sporting injuries / rehabilitation / general warm up advice
  • Ankle instability / recurrent sprains
  • Growth related pains – Severs and Osgood Schlatters
  • Post fracture rehabilitation
  • Shoulder instability
  • Concerns over gait
  • Post orthopaedic surgery
  • Development Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia)
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
  • Chronic pain

 

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Specifically for babies

Sarah and Kath enjoy supporting new mothers and encouraging them to share their concerns regarding their new baby’s development. Sarah and Kath can see you following a routine screening with a health visitor or doctor, if suggested, where developmental problems are commonly picked up.

  • Tight neck muscles (Torticollis)
  • Baby prefers to look towards one way
  • Flattening of the babies skull (Plagiocephaly)
  • Baby doesn’t use their arm as expected following delivery (Erbs Palsy)
  • Baby’s back appears to curve
  • Unusual foot or toe positions (Positional talipes / metatarsus adductus / calcaneal valgus / overlapping toes)
  • General positioning / handling / advice on sleeping positions / use of carriers
  • Hip dysplasia (DDH)
  • Baby massage

You can also come independently to discuss how to encourage your child’s development at any stage, for example, if you have noticed they are not lifting their head, rolling, crawling or if they appear to be delaying walking.

Specifically for the Under 5s

  • Tip toe walking
  • Flat feet
  • Back pain
  • Knock / bow (valgus/varus) knees
  • Talipes
  • In toeing / tripping and falls
  • General Asymmetry
  • Parental Concerns

Other conditions

  • Respiratory / chest treatment
  • Some neurological conditions ( please call to discuss)

What To Expect

On you first visit, depending on the age of your child, the assessment will be directed appropriately with use of observation perhaps through play, movement of joints, assessment of muscle length and strength. This is always in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where parents and the child concerned can discuss any questions at any time with the physiotherapist and it is important that visiting the physiotherapist is a fun and enjoyable experience to allow us to best see the capabilities of any child.

Treatment will consist of a variety of appropriate approaches including encouraging development and movement through play which will be strongly encouraged in the home environment, strengthening exercises, stretches, joint mobilisations, sport specific rehabilitation and lots of advice. There is also hydrotherapy and sports massage which are very beneficial treatment modalities.

Sarah and Kath believe strongly in involving the parents and family around the child to achieve the best outcome when delivering and advising on a treatment plan to achieve jointly agreed goals. This will be strongly encouraged following your initial assessment where any problems identified will be explained and decisions made together on how best to have an effect on improving them.

Do I have to stay with my child during physiotherapy sessions?

We will always require a parent or named guardian to attend with their child for their first appointment and would prefer that there is a parent present at the practice during any future treatment sessions. If this is likely to be difficult this can be discussed on an individual basis with the physiotherapist.