Children can benefit from physiotherapy as much as adults, whether they are recovering from a sports injury, a fracture or ongoing back or neck pain. A children’s physio assesses your child, tailors a plan to them and works with you to support their growth, movement and confidence.
As parents, we want our children to grow up healthy, strong and happy, but sometimes our little ones face physical challenges or injuries that could affect their development. Growing up can place significant stress on a child’s body. This is where physiotherapy for children comes in.
What does physiotherapy for children involve?
Children are often active, curious and constantly on the move as they explore the world around them. Some children experience injuries or physical challenges that affect their growth and development.
Your child’s physiotherapist will begin by assessing your child and tailoring a treatment plan to suit them. Our approach focuses on small, manageable changes rather than a rigid set of exercises, because keeping the attention of little ones can be challenging. We aim to make therapy engaging and enjoyable.
We also work closely with you as parents and caregivers, giving you the knowledge and tools to support your child’s development and wellbeing at home.
Treatment for your child may aim to:
- Strengthen muscles
- Improve coordination and balance
- Prevent further injury
- Improve circulation
- Increase mobility
- Make everyday tasks easier
Common reasons children see a physio
Here are some common reasons parents from our community bring their children to see us.
Dance and gymnastics injuries
Dance and gymnastics can be physically demanding, and sometimes they lead to injuries such as lower back pain from repeated arching. We focus on:
- Strengthening muscles
- Improving flexibility
- Teaching injury prevention strategies
This includes things like safe tumbling technique and good jumping and landing skills to lower the risk of injury. Physiotherapy aims to help your child keep doing what they love safely and confidently. Read more about our dance and gymnastics physiotherapy.
Sports injuries
Sport is a great way for your child to stay active and learn important life skills, but some sports carry a higher risk of injury. Whether it’s a sprained ankle or a muscle strain, physiotherapy can support rehabilitation and teach prevention strategies tailored to your child’s sport. Growing children can also develop growth-related pain, such as Osgood-Schlatter disease at the knee.
Fracture management
Dealing with a fracture can be a challenging experience. Physiotherapy after a fracture can play an important role in recovery. Treatment focuses on:
- Regaining strength
- Regaining mobility
- Rebuilding confidence after injury
When needed, we work closely with your child’s orthopaedic surgeon and GP.
Posture and scoliosis-related pain
It can be hard to get children away from their screens, and hours hunched over a device can lead to posture-related discomfort. Children’s physiotherapy can help ease back and neck pain and teach postural awareness and exercises for long-term spine health.
For children with scoliosis, early diagnosis and monitoring are important, and physiotherapy can be part of managing it over time.
Sleep and injury risk in young athletes
Is your child a very active sportsperson? Their sleep may affect their risk of injury. A study by Milewski and colleagues, published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics in 2014, followed adolescent athletes over 21 months. It found that lack of sleep and being in a higher school grade were associated with a higher risk of sports injury. Many factors affect injury risk, but sleep is an easy one to forget.
The Australian 24-hour movement guidelines for children and young people recommend:
- 9 to 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night for children aged 5-13 years
- 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night for young people aged 14-17 years
For practical ideas, see healthdirect’s sleep tips for children.
Why choose Physionorth?
Physionorth is committed to helping your child reach their potential by addressing physical difficulties, improving movement and supporting their development throughout childhood. You don’t need a referral to book with our physiotherapists.
*All information is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Physionorth can consult with you to confirm if this advice is right for you.
References
Healthdirect. Scoliosis. www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/back-and-spinal-disorders/scoliosis
Milewski MD, et al. (2014). Chronic lack of sleep is associated with increased sports injuries in adolescent athletes. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 34(2), 129-133. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25028798
Physiopedia. Principles of Paediatric Physiotherapy. www.physio-pedia.com/Principles_of_Paediatric_Physiotherapy
Physiopedia. Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy. www.physio-pedia.com/Introduction_to_Paediatric_Physiotherapy
