What is paediatric physiotherapy?
It is physiotherapy for babies, children and teenagers whose movement, strength, balance or coordination is not developing as expected, or who are recovering from an injury or operation. It uses play, so the child learns while enjoying it.
A physiotherapist looks at how your child moves and what may be getting in the way, then plans activities to build skills at the right pace. Parents are part of the team from the first visit.
Which worries do parents bring?
Most start with a single question: “Is this normal?” Here are the concerns we hear most.
- A baby who is slow to sit, crawl or stand, or who prefers one side or tilts their head (head preference and torticollis).
- A toddler who is late to walk, or who walks on tiptoes (toe-walking).
- A child who seems floppy or tires easily (low muscle tone).
- A child who trips, falls or struggles with ball games (balance and coordination).
- A diagnosis such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome.
- Flat feet, scoliosis, sports injuries, or recovery after a fracture or operation.
Our page on motor development concerns helps you sort these out.
What does normal development look like?
The World Health Organization (WHO) Motor Development Study followed 816 children from 4 to 24 months in five countries [1]. It found that children achieved sitting without support between 3.8 and 9.2 months, and walking alone between 8.2 and 17.6 months [1].
That range is wide, which is why one cousin walking early does not mean your child is behind. The study also found that 4.3% of children did not crawl on hands and knees [1]. Missing crawling alone is not a sign of a problem.
If your child is outside these windows, or you notice an uneven pattern, asymmetry or loss of a skill, an assessment is worthwhile. See our baby milestones guide for more.
What happens at the first visit?
We begin by talking to you: pregnancy and birth, early development, health, sleep and what your child enjoys. Then we watch your child play, because that shows how they move more truthfully than a test.
We check strength, tone, joint movement, balance, posture and the skills expected for the age. We keep it gentle and playful, and stop if your child is upset.
You leave with a clear picture of what we found, a few play activities to start and a plan for the next steps. If we think your child needs a paediatrician, a developmental team or another therapist, we say so.
Why does home work well for children?
Children are most themselves in familiar places. At home, they have their own toys, their own floor and a parent beside them, so we see what they can do on a normal day.
It also saves a family from clinic waiting rooms, school pick-ups and car rides with a tired child. If grandparents help look after the child, they can join the session and learn the activities too.
How do parents and carers take part?
You are the most important therapist, because you are with your child every day. We show you simple activities to build into play, bath time, meals and bedtime.
Set aside a few short moments instead of one long session. Playing on the floor, climbing the stairs together and carrying a toy across the room all count. Our guide on home activities for parents gives ideas.
How do we work with your child’s doctor, school and other therapists?
Physiotherapy is one part of care. We share findings, with your permission, and work alongside your paediatrician, occupational therapist, speech therapist and school.
Our posts on child physio and occupational therapy and speech and school therapy coordination explain how the pieces fit.
When should you see a doctor first?
See your child’s doctor promptly if a baby cannot hold up their head or has stopped doing something they used to do. Go too for floppy or stiff limbs, a fever with a stiff neck, or if the child simply seems unwell. Go to the emergency department after a head injury with vomiting, drowsiness or unusual behaviour.
For all other worries, a physiotherapy assessment is a gentle first step.
Home visit or our centre?
Home visits across Ipoh are available now and suit most young children. Our Canning Garden centre is opening soon and may later suit older children who want equipment, sports training or a group setting.
Prices differ between home and centre, and we send a quote on WhatsApp after you describe your child. Read about home physiotherapy for how a visit works.