What is pediatric physiotherapy?
Pediatric physiotherapy supports infants, children and teenagers with movement-related difficulties. Sessions should reflect the child's age, interests and abilities, with the family involved in setting priorities. The goal is meaningful participation, whether that means exploring on the floor, keeping up at the playground or managing school-day activities more comfortably.
The assessment and treatment options below explain this area of care. Contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms, confirm suitability and arrange the appropriate appointment.
Conditions and symptoms
- Concerns about gross motor development, such as sitting or walking
- Movement difficulties associated with cerebral palsy or other diagnosed conditions
- Balance, coordination and mobility challenges
- Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery after appropriate medical care
- Infant positioning or movement concerns requiring individual assessment
- Physical limitations affecting play, school or recreational participation
How it can affect your day
Parents may notice difficulty with a developing skill, a persistent difference between sides, frequent difficulty keeping up or avoidance of certain activities. Older children may describe pain, fatigue or frustration with sport. A single observation does not establish a diagnosis. Share your concerns with the child's healthcare provider rather than relying on a milestone chart alone.
Assessment tools and testing techniques
A focused assessment combines your history with selected clinical tests and outcome measures. The examples below are chosen according to the condition, safety and clinician’s training; not every test or device is needed or available at every appointment.
Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS)
What it assessesInfant gross motor development
For suitable infants, this observational measure examines gross motor development. A trained clinician observes movement in different positions and interprets findings in developmental context. It supports assessment and monitoring; a score alone does not establish a medical diagnosis.
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)
What it assessesChange in gross motor function
For appropriate populations, including children with cerebral palsy, the GMFM measures performance of gross motor activities. It can help track change in defined skills. It is not a universal developmental screening test for every child.
Age-appropriate motor skill testing
What it assessesA structured view of motor abilities
A trained clinician may select a standardized motor assessment suited to the child’s age, condition and question being asked. The selected edition, required materials and interpretation matter. Formal testing should complement the family’s observations, not replace them.
Joint range, strength and movement symmetry
What it assessesPhysical factors affecting a skill
Measurement and play-based tasks explore mobility, strength and differences between sides. Cooperation, understanding, fatigue and discomfort affect what can be meaningfully assessed. Findings are considered with growth and medical history.
Gait, balance and transitions
What it assessesHow a child moves through daily environments
Observation may include floor-to-stand, walking, stairs or age-appropriate balance tasks. Footwear, orthoses and assistance are recorded. The aim is to understand useful movement, not to judge every variation as a problem needing correction.
Family priorities and participation review
What it assessesThe skills that matter to the child and family
Discussion with the child and caregivers identifies challenges at home, school or play. A structured goal or participation measure may help track a chosen activity. Comfort, enjoyment and access are important alongside performance.
Understanding your assessment findings
Findings should describe what your child can do, what makes a task difficult and whether physiotherapy is appropriate. Further assessment by a pediatrician or another professional may be recommended. Different developmental areas can overlap; physiotherapy is not a substitute for a broader developmental or medical evaluation when one is needed.
Treatment techniques and rehabilitation
Each technique has a purpose within a wider rehabilitation plan. Selection depends on assessment findings, your preferences and how you respond to care.
Play-based skill practice
Reaching, stepping, climbing and other activities can be incorporated into games selected for the child's goals. The task is adjusted so it is achievable while still offering an appropriate challenge.
When it may be considered
A movement skill that supports the child’s own play or participation goals.
What a session may involve
The clinician adjusts toys, task setup and assistance to make practice purposeful. Engagement, comfort and fatigue guide how long and how often to practise.
Strength, balance and coordination
Exercises are translated into activities a child can understand and enjoy. Progression considers growth, fatigue, pain and any condition-specific precautions.
When it may be considered
Physical capacity or control that makes an age-appropriate activity difficult.
What a session may involve
A game or functional activity may target a selected ability. Progress is adapted to growth and the child’s response rather than a standard adult exercise dose.
Positioning and movement opportunities
For selected children, supported positions and changes to the play environment can create more opportunities to practise. Handling or positioning strategies should be demonstrated for the individual child.
When it may be considered
A child who benefits from supported positions or changes to the movement environment.
What a session may involve
The family is shown how to set up appropriate practice opportunities. Equipment and handling are individualized; forceful stretching or positioning is not assumed necessary.
Family coaching and collaboration
Parents and caregivers can learn how to build practice into familiar routines. With consent, collaboration with school staff and other healthcare professionals may help align goals across settings.
When it may be considered
A goal that needs consistent support at home, school or another setting.
What a session may involve
The family and clinician agree on manageable activities within familiar routines. Collaboration with others occurs with appropriate consent and clear roles.
A rehabilitation plan built around your goals
A good pediatric plan starts with the child and family's priorities. One family may want easier playground access; another may focus on comfortable transfers or participating in a classroom activity. Goals should be reviewed as interests, growth and environments change, rather than expecting every child to follow the same pathway.
More about this service
For clinic-specific information, visit Pediatric Physiotherapy page ↗. You can also meet the team or book an appointment with the clinic.
What to expect at your first appointment
Bring relevant reports, orthoses or mobility equipment, and a favourite toy if it helps your child settle. Comfortable clothes allow movement. Discuss communication, sensory and accessibility needs beforehand. Consent and the child's involvement should be handled appropriately to their understanding and circumstances.
How progress is measured
Progress may be seen in a new skill, less help with a task, improved comfort or greater participation. A standardized score is only one part of the picture. Ask how goals will be reviewed and how the plan will respond if your child is finding sessions tiring or distressing.
Home care and day-to-day support
Short practice opportunities during play or daily routines may be easier to sustain than a long exercise session. Your clinician should show what to do, how to adapt it and when to stop. Avoid forcing a movement or comparing your child's progress with another child's treatment plan.
When to seek medical care
A child who loses previously acquired skills, develops new weakness or has persistent unexplained pain needs medical assessment. Sudden inability to bear weight, particularly with fever or significant pain, requires urgent assessment. Seek emergency care for severe injury, breathing difficulty or sudden neurological symptoms.
Choosing the right physiotherapist
Ask about the clinician’s registration, relevant training and experience with your particular concerns. Explain any communication, privacy, accessibility or assistance needs before booking. A suitable appointment should leave room for questions and a clear discussion of your choices.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait if I am worried about a milestone?
Discuss your concern with your child's healthcare provider. Assessment can help determine whether reassurance, monitoring, physiotherapy or a broader evaluation is appropriate.
Will therapy look like exercise?
Often it looks like purposeful play. The clinician selects activities that practise a specific skill while fitting the child's age and interests.
Can parents stay during the session?
Family involvement is an important part of planning. Discuss what helps your child feel comfortable and how you would like to participate.
Does my child need a diagnosis first?
A movement concern can be discussed before a final diagnosis. The clinician should explain whether physiotherapy assessment is suitable or whether medical evaluation should come first.
Can treatment help with school activities?
Goals may address physical tasks needed for participation. Coordination with the school and other professionals depends on the child's needs and your consent.
How often are appointments needed?
Frequency depends on the goals, condition, home practice and response. The plan should be realistic for the child and family, with regular opportunities to review it.
Further readingProfessional resources to explore at your own pace5 resources
- 01APTA: Developmental delay (opens in a new tab)
- 02APTA: Cerebral palsy (opens in a new tab)
- 03APTA: Children's physical therapy (opens in a new tab)
- 04NHS: Limping in children (opens in a new tab)
- 05APTA: Alberta Infant Motor Scale (opens in a new tab)
General information to help you understand your options. An individual assessment is needed for advice about your own health.