Children's Physiotherapy Team

Child with Basketball The Children’s Physiotherapy Team is based with the Children’s Occupational Therapy Team in the Child Development Centre, Horton Wing, St Lukes Hospital.

The Therapists help to minimize the effects of the Child’s Physical Impairment and enable them to maximize their ability in a fun, relaxed and therapeutic manner.

The team works with Children of all ages from premature babies to adolescents with a variety of Conditions such as;

Neurological e.g. Cerebral Palsy, Neuromuscular conditions, Children with Complex Developmental problems and disabilities, Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.

Musculoskeletal e.g. Talipes, Post Trauma i.e. fractures and head injuries. Torticollis,Scoliosis, Perthes

Rheumatoid e.g. Juvenille Arthritis, Hypermobility

Syndromes e.g Down’s Syndrome

Respiratory e.g Cystic Fibrosis, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Coordination Difficulties e.g Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)

Developmental Delay

As well as treating Children in the Therapy Department they are also seen in clinics, on the wards, in the neonatal unit, in special schools and mainstream School settings, in children’s centres and on home visits.

Special Schools

Wedgewood special school
Bolling Special School
Haycliffe Special School
Chapel Grange Special School
Lister Lane Special School

Who Can Refer to Children’s Physiotherapy?

Referrals can be made by GP’s, Consultants and Community Paediatricians.

What happens at the first assessment?

Assessments are usually done at the Child Development Centre. They may vary in length of time but are usually up to an hour. The child will be assessed by a qualified physiotherapist observing movement through play and activities. Suitable clothing is required.

Their difficulties will be discussed with the parent or guardian. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Privacy and confidentiality will be maintained at all times. Then the aims of treatment and how to achieve them will be discussed with the parent/Carer and child (if appropriate)

The Services that Children’s Physiotherapy Offer;

Guidance and Support

Information about conditions

Advice for Home Exercise Programmes

Individual Neurodevelopment Therapy

Strengthening Programs

Advice re; Equipment/Toys/Orthotics

Respiratory Management

Advice re Pain Management

Group Work

Hydrotherapy

Advice to educational staff