Physiotherapy focuses on the physical movement of an individual. The aim is to maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan.

In Paediatrics, it is largely focused on developing a child’s movement (range, speed and quality) where this has either not yet developed, or is threatened by illness, injury, disease or environmental factors.

Physiotherapists specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of infants, children, and adolescents with a variety of congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal, or acquired disorders/diseases.

Treatments focus on improving gross motor skills, balance and coordination, strength and endurance, as well as to a lesser extent cognitive and sensory processing/integration.

Physiotherapy can help children move with more skill and consistency, as needed to navigate the kindergarten or classroom environment successfully and play team sports with more skill. It can also help children to develop the strength and endurance to sit upright at a school desk for the long hours required during the school day so they can access the curriculum to the best of their ability.

Depending on the child’s specific issues, there may be overlap between what Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy can offer.