The Physio Clinic has a dedicated Paediatric Physiotherapy team that offer in-clinic sessions as well as visits in a child’s home, childcare, kindergarten or school. Further, our physiotherapists are experienced in working with children from trauma backgrounds, and have extensive experience working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Aquatic-based physiotherapy/hydrotherapy can also be provided where appropriate.
What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?
Paediatric Physiotherapists are movement specialists for babies, children and adolescents; they strive to improve a child’s ability to move and to participate in everyday activities. Follow the link above to learn exactly what a paediatric physiotherapy session may entail.
How can Paediatric Physiotherapy help your child?
- Achieving motor milestones, particularly if delayed
- Gross and fine motor skill difficulties
- Children with neurological conditions, developmental delays, intellectual and/or physical disabilities or sensory processing challenges. This may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) or muscular dystrophies.
- Conditions that occur in babies including Plagiocephaly or Torticollis
- Children with hypermobility and low muscle tone
- Unusual movement patterns e.g. toe-walking
- Children with coordination difficulties (e.g. frequent falls)
- Children with orthopaedic conditions
- Children with injuries from sports or trauma
Paediatric Physiotherapy may involve:
- 1:1 play-based therapy intervention to improve a child’s strength, balance, coordination, movement quality, endurance and motor planning skills
- Assistive Technology prescription
- Toe walking and other gait issues including the consideration of orthotic and walking aid prescription
- Assistance with symptomatic management (e.g. for pain, fatigue, spasticity)
- Motor learning and movement training
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Tailored exercise and stretching programs
- Liaison with a client’s therapists, family/caregiver, service providers and government bodies such as the NDIS and ongoing advice, support and advocacy
- What does a “Typical” Paediatric Physiotherapy Session Look Like?
There are several different assessments we use as paediatric physiotherapists when working with infants and children. These assessments assist us with objectively evaluating a child’s gross motor skills, identifying difficulties and tracking progress. Click here for more information on assessments we use at The Physio Clinic
For any queries relating to Paediatric Physiotherapy or to book an appointment, please call The Physio Clinic on 8342 1233.
The Physio Clinic has wheelchair access and parking.
Meet the Team!
Maddie Dal Corobbo
Physiotherapist – Paediatric Team Leader
Maddie began her career working with adults living with disabilities before finding her passion in the paediatric field. Being an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Maddie is passionate about using her own lived experience with a disability to empower her clients and advocate for inclusion. She believes that it is important to support a child in their natural environment and frequently visits children in their homes, childcare centres, kindergartens and schools, as well utilising our clinic spaces.
Sue Gibson
Senior Physiotherapist – Paediatric Team
Sue has over 35 years experience working as a physiotherapist with children, young people and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. She has extensive experience in providing interventions for people with movement difficulties in a variety of settings, including the assessment and prescription of aids, equipment and assistive technology.
Alicia Brown
Physiotherapist – Paediatric Team
Alicia has previous experience working with both adults and children, but found herself wanting to pursue a career in paediatric physiotherapy. She strongly believes in person-centered care and providing education to her clients and their families in working towards an active and fulfilling life.
Ben Barratt
Physiotherapist – Paediatric Team
Ben’s passion for working with children stems from prior experience as a swimming teacher and support worker whilst studying physiotherapy. He began his physiotherapist career working with both adults and children living with disabilities and soon realised that his passion lay within the paediatric space. Ben’s goal is to educate and empower children and their support networks, as well as provide individualised therapy that is meaningful and fun. Ben is passionate about helping children reach their goals and to help them thrive in their everyday life.
Jessica Chan
Physiotherapist – Paediatric Team
Aaron Rutherford
Physiotherapist – Paediatric Team
Aaron has experience working with children and adults, but his passion for treating in the paediatric space stems from his 8 years of tennis coaching while he was in school and university. Aaron’s goals are to provide children a space to develop and to have fun while achieving their goals and milestones.
