Children's Physiotherapy: When Does Your Child Need Specialist Help?

Paediatric physiotherapy is a specialist area that addresses movement, strength, balance, and coordination in children from birth through to 18 years. Many parents are uncertain whether their child's movement concerns warrant professional assessment — here's how to tell.

Developmental concerns in babies and toddlers

Babies develop at different rates, but there are general milestones that physiotherapists use as guides. Consider seeking a paediatric physiotherapy assessment if your baby: isn't rolling both ways by 6 months, isn't sitting independently by 9 months, isn't pulling to stand by 12 months, has a significant head preference (always turning to one side), has unusual muscle tone (either very floppy or very stiff).

Walking and gait concerns

Many children toe-walk occasionally, and this is usually normal. However, persistent toe-walking beyond age 3 may indicate underlying muscle tightness or a neurological condition. Similarly, in-toeing, out-toeing, or asymmetric gait patterns warrant assessment, particularly if they're affecting your child's ability to keep up with peers.

School-age children

Physiotherapy can help school-age children with: sports injuries, growing pains, hypermobility syndrome, scoliosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and coordination difficulties that affect participation in sport or PE.

Neurological conditions

Our paediatric physiotherapy team has specialist expertise in cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and acquired brain injuries. We work closely with families, schools, and NHS teams to provide joined-up care.

If you have any concerns about your child's development or movement, we offer paediatric physiotherapy assessments at our London clinic. All assessments are conducted in a child-friendly environment. Contact us to discuss your child's needs.