What do Paediatric Physiotherapists do?

A simple guide to help understand what paediatric physiotherapists do
Paediatric Physiotherapy · Updated Jan 2026

What does a paediatric physiotherapist do?

Paediatric physiotherapists help babies, children and teens move better, feel more confident in their bodies, and participate in home, school and sport with less pain and limitation. We work with everything from developmental concerns to injuries, and we tailor therapy to how kids learn best: practical, engaging, and family-centred.

Quick answer: we assess how your child moves and functions, explain what’s going on in plain language, then build a step-by-step plan using the right mix of play-based therapy, exercise, hands-on techniques when appropriate, and home guidance.

How we assess your child

A good paediatric assessment is more than “where does it hurt?”. We take time to understand your child’s history, goals and daily demands, then look closely at movement quality and function.

We typically include:

  • A thorough history from parents and, when helpful, input from teachers, coaches or support workers

  • Observation of movement patterns, walking/running, coordination and balance

  • Assessment of strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, muscle tone and joint range of motion

What treatment looks like

Your child’s plan is designed to be achievable and measurable. Depending on what’s needed, sessions may include:

  • Targeted exercises to build strength, control, coordination and confidence

  • Play-based therapy to practise movement skills in a way kids actually engage with

  • Gentle hands-on techniques (when useful) to support comfortable movement

  • Simple home guidance so progress continues between sessions

What we help with

 

Growth and developmental concerns

Milestones, motor skills, coordination and movement confidence.

Postural and anatomical variations

Common developmental variations and when they do (or don’t) need treatment.

Paediatric musculoskeletal injuries

Sprains, strains, overuse pain and return-to-sport planning.

Connective tissue and hypermobility

Support for stability, strength, fatigue and injury prevention.

Foot and lower limb concerns

Foot posture concerns and common growth-related heel/knee pain patterns.

Neurological conditions

Movement, strength, balance and functional independence support.

NDIS support and reports

If your child is supported by NDIS funding, we can complete assessments and provide clear reporting that summarises function, goals, planned therapy and expected outcomes.

Who we treat

We treat infants, children and adolescents. Keep your age range consistent with the rest of your site (your paeds service page uses 0–16).

When to book

If you’re not sure whether your child needs general physio or paediatric physio, this guide helps: When should a child see a paediatric physiotherapist?

Next step: Talk to us and we’ll match you with the most suitable clinician for your child’s needs.

Advantage Healthcare & Physiotherapy's goal is to provide the highest quality care possible to the Wynnum, Manly, Brisbane Bayside residents.
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Tuesday: 8am - 8pm
Wednesday: 8am - 8pm
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Friday: 8am - 7pm
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