Paediatric Physiotherapy near Gladesville, 2111
As a parent, nothing is more important to you than your children. You want them to experience all the world has to offer and achieve anything they set out to do, regardless of their abilities, strengths, or anything else that may set them apart from their peers. A paediatric physiotherapist is experienced in assisting children of all ages with a wide range of developmental and physical differences to move about their world as freely and easily as possible. 
NDPE takes pride in providing paediatric physiotherapy services tailored to children of all ages, from babies to young adults. We are dedicated to delivering quality paediatric physiotherapy to local residents in West Ryde and the nearby areas, encompassing Eastwood, Denistone, Marsfield, Epping, Ryde, Meadowbank, Melrose Park, Dundas Valley, Telopea, Putney, Carlingford, and Ermington.
What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?
Paediatric physiotherapy, also known as paediatric physio or children’s physiotherapy, aids children with issues causing problems with movement. Paediatric physiotherapists understand that children are not just mini-adults— they’re built differently, and so they move differently. A paediatric physiotherapist has undergone years of education and training in child development and has a special interest in children’s development of movement.
Who Does a Paediatric Physiotherapist Help?
{A paediatric physio focuses on children’s movement abilities in all children from newborns to teenagers, due to a number of conditions and disabilities. | A paediatric physiotherapist focuses on assessing and enhancing children’s movement abilities throughout all stages of childhood, ranging from newborns to teenagers, catering to a diverse range of conditions and disabilities.
Babies
Paediatric physiotherapists recognise that babies, especially those born prematurely (at less than 36 weeks gestation) or with a low birth weight (under 1500g), have specific needs as they adjust to life outside the womb. Their thorough education and training equip them to understand these unique requirements and collaborate with both baby and parent to assist in their development:
- Needing help to turn their heads
- Having difficulty with tummy time
- With flat spots on the back or side or their heads
- Experiencing difficulty with sitting, rolling, crawling, and/or walking
- Who are slower to achieve their milestones
Children
Paediatric physiotherapy encompasses a broad spectrum of ages, ranging from babies to young adults. Children undergo rapid growth and development, which can result in discomfort and pain during growth spurts, regardless of any other challenges they may have. Paediatric physiotherapy may assist children with:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Brain injuries
- Other injuries and trauma
- Muscular dystrophies
- Congenital conditions such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Musculoskeletal issues such as Sever’s Disease and patellofemoral pain
- Rheumatological and pain conditions including arthritis, myositis, and chronic pain
- Chronic respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Problems with balance, posture, coordination, and gross motor skills
- Joint, muscle, or nervous system problems
- Sports injuries
- Recovery after surgery
Your physiotherapist, with a comprehensive understanding of child development, recognises that some children may take longer to feel comfortable with the idea of physiotherapy. This is a normal part of the process, and your children’s physio will collaborate with everyone involved to create a supportive and comfortable environment for your child.
Your Paediatric Physiotherapy Questions Answered
What does a paediatric physiotherapist look at?
The association between physiotherapy and adults is common, especially concerning chronic pain, injuries, or rehabilitation. However, paediatric physiotherapists use comparable therapies that are specifically tailored to children, aiming to enhance motor development, balance, coordination, range of motion, and strength. A paediatric physiotherapist will assess your child’s:
- Motor development
- Overall development
- Muscle tone, strength, and endurance
- Coordination
- Balance
- Stability
- Joint mechanics and alignment
- Communication
- Sensory challenges
What happens in a paediatric physiotherapy appointment?
The treatment approach will be customised based on the findings of your child’s assessment. As every child’s age, abilities, and condition are unique, the treatment plan will be individualised. However, as a general outline, your children’s physio appointments may include:
- Hands-on physiotherapy
- Education on their condition
- Trialling orthotics, splints, or other equipment
- Communicating with other health professionals and support providers
How long will a paediatric physiotherapy appointment last for?
The length of the appointment will be influenced by various factors, such as the specific condition your child has and its severity. Initial appointments are typically longer, lasting over an hour, as they involve getting to know your child and conducting a comprehensive assessment. Follow-up appointments will generally be shorter, but the exact duration will vary among individuals.
Why Choose NDPE West Ryde?
At NDPE, our experienced paediatric physiotherapists get to know you and your child as individuals and as a family unit, assisting your child and enabling you to support them. We work with you to form a relationship that benefits your child physically and emotionally so that your child feels supported in every way possible.
Book Your Paediatric Physiotherapy Appointment in West Ryde
At NDPE, our experienced physiotherapists understand children’s unique needs and are ready to support your child to feel and move as well as possible. To book an appointment, get in contact with our team today. BOOK A PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT
Phone us to book an appointment: 02 9874 8410
Or book on-line: www.ndpe.com.au
