Physiotherapy for young children and babies

Specialized physiotherapy for children and adolescents to support development, treat conditions, and optimize mobility and function.

Find a SpecialistAll Areas

How can physiotherapy help young children and babies?

Pediatric physiotherapy uses fun, play‑based activities to support movement, strength and coordination during key stages of development. Your physio can help with milestones, developmental delays, neurological conditions and injuries—giving families simple routines that fit daily life at home, nursery and school.

Early Development

Supporting infants and toddlers in achieving critical developmental milestones through specialized interventions and family guidance.

Disability Management

Comprehensive treatment for children with neurological, musculoskeletal, and genetic conditions to maximize potential and independence.

Injury Recovery

Safe and effective rehabilitation for sports injuries, fractures, and other musculoskeletal conditions in growing children.

What to expect from your child’s first physio session

1) Conversation & screening

  • Family goals and developmental history
  • Medical background and red‑flag check
  • Plan expectations and parent involvement

2) Movement & play‑based testing

  • Age‑appropriate movement and motor skills
  • Strength, balance and coordination
  • Quick wins for comfort and confidence

3) Your plan

  • Home program with play‑based activities
  • School/sport participation and pacing
  • Follow‑up schedule and shared goals

Specialized Treatment Approaches

Pediatric physiotherapy utilizes age-appropriate, evidence-based techniques designed specifically for the developing child, considering unique growth patterns and developmental needs.

Developmental Motor Training

Specialized programs to support normal motor development and milestone achievement

How it Works:

Developmental motor training utilizes age-appropriate activities and play-based interventions to facilitate normal movement patterns and motor skill acquisition. This approach supports neuroplasticity and optimal brain development during critical periods of growth.

Treatment Approach:

Play-based therapy, age-appropriate exercises, sensory integration activities, and family-centered interventions. Includes gross motor skill development, fine motor coordination, balance training, and developmental positioning.

Conditions Treated:

Developmental delaysMotor skill difficultiesPremature birth complicationsGlobal developmental delayAutism spectrum disordersDown syndrome
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Contraindications:
  • Acute illness
  • Uncontrolled seizures
  • Severe cardiac conditions
  • Active infections
  • Recent surgery without clearance
  • Extreme behavioral disturbances

Neurological Rehabilitation

Comprehensive treatment for children with neurological conditions and disabilities

How it Works:

Pediatric neurological rehabilitation focuses on promoting neuroplasticity through targeted interventions that encourage adaptive brain changes. The approach utilizes repetitive, task-specific training to improve neural pathways and functional outcomes.

Treatment Approach:

Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), functional training, gait training with assistive devices, strength and endurance building, spasticity management, and adaptive equipment training.

Conditions Treated:

Cerebral palsySpina bifidaMuscular dystrophyTraumatic brain injurySpinal cord injuryGenetic disorders
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Contraindications:
  • Uncontrolled intracranial pressure
  • Severe respiratory distress
  • Active bleeding
  • Unstable fractures
  • Severe cognitive impairment
  • Acute medical complications

Orthopedic & Sports Rehabilitation

Treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions in active children and adolescents

How it Works:

Pediatric orthopedic rehabilitation addresses the unique needs of growing bones, muscles, and joints. The approach considers growth plates, developing tissues, and age-specific biomechanics to promote safe healing and prevent re-injury.

Treatment Approach:

Progressive strengthening, flexibility training, sport-specific rehabilitation, biomechanical analysis, injury prevention education, and gradual return-to-activity protocols.

Conditions Treated:

Sports injuriesFracturesScoliosisTorticollisJuvenile arthritisGrowing pains
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Contraindications:
  • Active growth plate injuries
  • Unhealed fractures
  • Acute inflammation
  • Severe pain
  • Non-compliance with safety measures
  • Parental concerns

Benefits of Pediatric Physiotherapy

Pediatric physiotherapy provides comprehensive benefits that support optimal development, enhance functional abilities, and improve quality of life for children and their families.

Improved Motor Development

Enhanced gross and fine motor skills to support age-appropriate development milestones.

Pediatric physiotherapy improves motor skill development by 60-80% in children with delays. Early intervention can help children achieve developmental milestones within 6-12 months of expected timelines, with 85% showing significant improvement.

Enhanced Independence

Increased functional abilities and self-care skills for daily activities.

Children receiving pediatric physiotherapy show 50-70% improvement in independence scores for daily activities. Functional mobility increases significantly, with 75% of children achieving independent or assisted mobility goals.

Better Quality of Life

Improved overall well-being, social participation, and family functioning.

Family quality of life scores improve by 40-60% following pediatric physiotherapy intervention. Children demonstrate increased confidence, social participation, and overall happiness in 80% of cases.

Optimal Growth & Development

Support for healthy physical development and prevention of secondary complications.

Early intervention prevents secondary complications in 70-90% of children with disabilities. Proper positioning and movement patterns reduce the risk of contractures, deformities, and respiratory complications.

Family Education & Support

Comprehensive training for families to support continued progress at home.

Family training programs improve home exercise compliance to 85-95% and enhance caregiver confidence by 60-80%. Parents report feeling more capable and less stressed about their child's condition.

Long-term Outcomes

Sustained improvements in function and development that continue into adulthood.

Long-term studies show that children receiving early pediatric physiotherapy maintain functional gains into adulthood, with 70-85% achieving independent living skills and community participation.

Common Pediatric Conditions

Pediatric physiotherapy addresses a wide range of conditions affecting children's movement, development, and functional abilities from infancy through adolescence.

Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Delays

Muscular Dystrophy

Spina Bifida

Down Syndrome

Torticollis

Scoliosis

Sports Injuries

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Juvenile Arthritis

Fractures in Children

Coordination Disorders

Support Your Child's Development

Connect with specialized pediatric physiotherapists who understand the unique needs of growing children. Start your child's journey to optimal development and function today.

Find Pediatric SpecialistsExplore Other Areas

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified pediatric healthcare provider before starting any physiotherapy treatment for your child. Individual results may vary, and treatment should be tailored to your child's specific needs and development.