Physiotherapists are experts in the structure of the human body and its movement. They help people improve their movement, mobility, and function so that they can participate in activities that interest them. For young children, this includes learning to sit, crawl, and walk but may also mean learning to ride a bike, climb play equipment, or join in a sport.

Our physiotherapists meet with you in your home, early learning setting, or in the community to help you find opportunities in your everyday activities to practice physical skills. We incorporate fun activities into your everyday routines that allow your child to learn how to move their body and develop their gross motor skills. These activities will target areas such as strength, coordination, balance, and motor planning.

Our physiotherapists can also support you with the following specialised services:

Muscle tone management: Some children present with very stiff (hypertonia) or very floppy (hypotonia) muscles. This needs to be accurately assessed and managed by a physiotherapist so that children can learn to move their bodies and prevent muscle tightness, postural changes, and loss of mobility.

 

Assistive technology: Assistive technology is any product that enables participation and function in everyday activities. Physiotherapists are assistive technology prescribers. This means that they can help you find and choose products to help your child move and participate in their regular activities and can make recommendations to NDIS regarding items that should be included in your child’s NDIS plan. This includes items such as:

• Specialised seating

• Standing frames

• Walking frames

• Wheelchairs

• Car seats

 

24-hour positioning: This is an approach to supporting children with complex physical disabilities to ensure that their body is moved and positioned across the day to support their health, participation, social interaction, mobility, and functioning. 

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Hydrotherapy: Therapy is provided in a swimming pool that is usually heated. The water provides a unique environment for children to learn new skills and to move their bodies in ways that are not possible on land. For some children, hydrotherapy provides the first chance to stand or walk independently. 

If your Physiotherapist is allocated as your Team Link they will support all of your goals across all areas of development. Your Physiotherapist will be in regular contact with your broader team.