Physiotherapy for Kids
Gross Motor Development
Gross motor skills are the big movements children use to explore their world, play, and participate in everyday activities. Physiotherapy can support children who are having difficulty developing skills such as sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing, or balancing. Through fun, play-based activities, physiotherapists can help children build strength, coordination, balance, and confidence while working toward their individual goals. Therapy is tailored to each child’s abilities and interests, with strategies that can easily be incorporated into everyday play and routines.
Gait/Walking Concerns
- Walking Patterns – Toe walking, in-toeing, out-toeing, limping, or an unusual walking pattern.
- Foot & Leg Alignment – Flat feet, feet rolling inward, knock knees, bow legs, or other alignment concerns.
- Balance & Coordination – Frequent tripping or falling, poor balance, or difficulty coordinating movements.
- Strength & Movement – Difficulty running, jumping, climbing stairs, getting up from the floor, or keeping up with peers.
Orthopaedic Injuries
- Sprains & Strains – Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and joints.
- Fractures & Dislocations – Supporting recovery after broken bones, dislocations, or casting.
- Sports & Activity Injuries – Injuries from sports, recreation, or repetitive activities.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation – Rebuilding strength, mobility, balance, and confidence after surgery.
- Return to Activity – Helping children safely return to sports, school, and everyday activities.
Core and Muscle Weakness
Some children may have difficulty with activities because they have reduced strength in their core, arms, or legs. This can show up as difficulty sitting or maintaining good posture, getting up from the floor, climbing stairs, running, jumping, or keeping up with peers. Physiotherapy can help identify areas of weakness and build strength through fun, age-appropriate activities and play. Our goal is to help children develop the strength and confidence they need to participate more comfortably in everyday activities, sports, and play.
Coordination and Agility
Physiotherapy can help children develop coordination, balance, agility, and body awareness for everyday activities, sports, and play. Through fun, age-appropriate activities, we work on skills such as balancing, changing direction, reacting quickly, jumping, running, and moving with greater control and confidence.
Neurological, Chromosomal and Genetic Conditions
Physiotherapy can help children with neurological, chromosomal, or genetic conditions build strength, coordination, balance, and movement skills. Therapy is individualized to each child’s abilities and goals and may focus on walking, running, transfers, stairs, endurance, or participation in play and activities. We use fun, functional activities to help children move more comfortably and confidently while supporting their independence and participation at home, school, and in the community.
Common conditions physiotherapists work with include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida, Down syndrome, William's syndrome, Rett syndrome, etc.
Physical Activity
Physiotherapy can help children build the strength, endurance, coordination, and confidence they need to be active and participate in the activities they enjoy. We can help children develop the skills needed for running, jumping, swimming, sports, playground activities, and everyday movement. Through fun and individualized activities, physiotherapists work with each child to find ways to make physical activity enjoyable, accessible, and successful.