Paediatric Physiotherapy

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Children experience many changes to their musculoskeletal and neurological systems as they grow and develop. Our paediatric physiotherapists look after the specific needs of infants and children in relation to their physical development. All children are individually assessed (see below for the Standardised Assessments we can complete at our clinic), and intervention may range anywhere from reassurance and advice, to play-based therapy programs. 

 

Our physiotherapists working in paediatrics can help with a range of conditions and we are an NDIS registered practice.

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Babies

 

• Delayed developmental milestones

  • Not sitting by 9 months

  • Not crawling by 12 months

  • Not walking by 18 months

• Plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (flattened side or back of head)

• Torticollis (neck stiffness or head side preference)

• Positional talipes (altered foot and ankle position)

• Baby not tolerating tummy time

• Babies or children with low muscle tone or hypermobility

 

Children

 

• Injuries such as sprains or fractures

• Growing pains

• Coordination difficulties

• Aches and pains with activity or rest

• Toe walking

• Problems with leg or foot posture

 

Disability

 

Physiotherapy can help with the physical and functional deficits

associated with;

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• Neurological disorders eg. Muscular Dystrophy

• Neuromuscular disorders eg. Cerebral Palsy

• Congenital disorders eg. Spina Bifida

• Genetic disorders eg. Down Syndrome

• Neurodevelopmental disorders eg. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Developmental delay

 

Paediatric Incontinence

 

We work closely with GP’s and specialist doctors to provide evidence-based management for;

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• Bed-wetting

• Daytime urinary incontinence

• Constipation and soiling

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Standardised Assessments

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These assessments allow us to determine where your child's motor development is in comparison to what would be considered normal for their age and identify any areas of concern. After a period of therapy we can use these assessments to check if there has been an improvement in your child's function. 

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BOT-2 

• Children aged 4- 21 years

• Gross motor assessment (coordination, balance, running speed and agility, and strength) 

• Fine motor assessment (fine motor precision, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, and upper limb coordination)

 

PDMS-2 

• Birth to 5 years old

• Assesses motor development and skill in 6 main areas - reflexes, stationary control, locomotion (movement from one place to another), object manipulation, grasping, and visual-motor integration.

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During both the BOT-2 and PDMS-2 assessments the physiotherapist will engage the child in various gross motor and fine motor movements and tasks depending on their age to gain a comprehensive understanding of their motor development.

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AIMS

• Assessment of an infant’s motor development from term (40 weeks) to the age of independent walking.

• It is based an infant’s development through their motor milestones in four positions: prone (tummy), supine (back), sitting and standing.

• It enables us to determine if an infant is demonstrating atypical or immature movement patterns and to monitor their progress with/without intervention.

• The AIMS assessment involves observing the infant move in a relaxed and comfortable environment with minimal handling throughout the four positions above. Parents are welcome to stay close and the therapist is guided by the infant’s cues.

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