In most cases, a general physiotherapist is enough for common children’s injuries. The key is knowing when your child’s age, growth, sport demands, or development changes the best approach.
General physio is usually enough for straightforward sprains, strains, bruises, and simple return-to-sport planning.
Paediatric physio is often the better choice when there are concerns about development, movement patterns, frequent falls, recurring pain, or more complex return-to-sport needs.
Not sure? Talk to us and we’ll help match you with the right clinician.
General physiotherapists can manage most common injuries in children, including ankle rolls, muscle strains, bruises, and mild overuse pain.
Treatment is often similar to adults, but adjusted for a child’s body, attention span, sport, and tolerance. Kids also tend to recover quickly when they have clear guidance and the right progression.
General physio is often suitable when:
Symptoms started after a clear knock, twist or strain
Pain is improving week to week
Your child can still move reasonably well and is gradually returning to normal activity
The main goal is a safe return to sport with basic strength and control work
Some presentations benefit from paediatric-specific assessment and rehab planning, especially when growth, development, or movement skill is part of the picture.
After this, a simple rule helps: if the issue is not just pain, but also how your child moves, balances, develops, or keeps up, paediatric physio is usually the better fit.
If your child trains hard, competes, or keeps getting the same niggle, paediatric or sports-focused physio can be helpful for load management, technique, and confident return to sport.
This is particularly useful when:
Training volume is high (multiple sessions per week)
Pain flares during growth spurts
Injuries keep recurring in the same area
Your child is returning after time off, fracture, or surgery
They need a structured plan for strength, control and sport-specific progressions
Children are not small adults. Growth plates, healing timelines, and return-to-sport planning can differ, so it can be worth getting paediatric input earlier when the injury is more complex.
Seek medical review urgently (GP or emergency care) if your child has:
Severe pain, obvious deformity, or you suspect a fracture or dislocation
Inability to weight-bear or use the limb normally
Rapidly increasing swelling, redness, or worsening symptoms
New numbness, weakness, or significant pins-and-needles
Symptoms that are persistent and not improving over 1–2 weeks despite rest and simple care
A good paediatric appointment is practical and child-friendly. We focus on what matters to your child’s daily life, school and sport.
Typically, we will:
Assess movement, strength, balance, coordination and any relevant milestones
Identify what’s contributing to symptoms (not just where it hurts)
Explain findings clearly, with simple next steps
Provide a realistic home plan (and what to avoid)
Progress rehab in a way your child can actually stick with
Do I need a referral?
Usually no. If your child needs imaging or medical input, we’ll guide you.
How many sessions will my child need?
It depends on the goal and the issue. Many common injuries improve quickly, while developmental or recurring problems can need a longer plan.
Is treatment painful?
Treatment is gentle and age-appropriate. The priority is helping your child feel safe, confident and in control.
Can you help with return to sport?
Yes. We can plan a gradual return based on strength, control, tolerance and sport demands, not guesswork.
My child is nervous. Is that common?
Very. We keep the assessment calm, explain everything simply, and adapt the session to your child.
If you’re unsure whether to book a general physio or a paediatric physio, contact us and we’ll guide you to the most suitable clinician.