Physiotherapy for Children and Young People

Physiotherapy for Children – FAQs

• – What ages do we treat?

  We most commonly work with children from the age of 10 and teenagers. However we can, and do, treat children from 7 upwards.

• – How is Physiotherapy for kids different from Physio for adults?

  Whether we’re treating adults, teenagers or younger children, our intent is always the same - to return our patients to full and free movement.

  This might mean helping restore the ability to move without pain or impingement, helping a child move naturally and normally after a traumatic injury, or correcting the harmful impact of a lifestyle or lifestage issue, from slouching to growing pains.

  In most cases the treatment itself is similar but the approach is different.

  Our goal is always to resolve the underlying cause as well as the symptoms, reduce the risk of future recurrence and help your child make as full and speedy a recovery as possible.

  Because children’s bodies are continually changing, their tissues can recover much faster than adults’ if they are managed properly. This makes early diagnosis and treatment more important – including referral for scanning (X-Ray, MRI, etc.) where appropriate.

  We also understand the importance of putting children at their ease, especially in unfamiliar environments and situations. Our physiotherapists have extensive experience interacting with children of all ages, and can make even the most timid child or moody teenager feel comfortable.

  We make sessions as much fun as possible, especially with younger children. This may include games and family participation – we’ll often involve the parents, encouraging them to do exercises with their children.

  One key difference we have found is that children are often more receptive to advice from their Physiotherapist than adults are. And in some areas – posture being one - they often respond better to cues or guidance from their Physio than they do from their parents.

• – Do parents need to be present?

  As a company policy, we require a parent or guardian to be present for the initial assessment of any person under the age of 16, and to sign the consent form on their behalf.

  After the initial consult the child may attend appointments unaccompanied. The Physiotherapist will make it clear if they want the parent or guardian present for all/any of the sessions.

  For safe-guarding reasons, we require anyone under the age of 16 to be collected from the clinic after their session.

• – Child safety

  All our Physiotherapists are experienced and properly qualified, and all have up-to-date DBS (formerly CRB) checks.

• – What if my child doesn’t get treatment?

  Depending on the severity of the injury, there may be a risk of chronic injury and dysfunction and even long-term disability if these issues are not treated promptly and correctly.

  There’s also the potential for psychological or emotional impact on children with long-term injuries, whether from missing out on their favourite sport and other physical activities at school or not being able to keep up with their friends and schoolmates