Does your child need Phsyiotherapy support? 

Know what to expect? 

Julie Griffin is our Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist at Firstchance and below she shares her experiences of working at Firstchance, what a first consultation is like, and how paediatric physiotherapy can help your child grow and learn. 

 

Firstly, what is a paediatric physiotherapist?

Paediatric physiotherapists are skilled in assessing children’s movement development and quality. We look at what gross motor skills a child has, how they move and how we can assist them to reach their gross motor and movement potential.

Movement is a very important aspect of development for babies and children. Being able to move easily and successfully helps them learn, grow and interact with others. It allows them to explore their bodies and how they work, as well as their environment and all the people in their world.

 

What does a first consultation typically look like?

The first paediatric physiotherapy consultation is mainly about getting to know each other.

It can take place at home or at Firstchance—wherever the family feels most comfortable. Many families like home visits, because it’s familiar for their child, and it gives us a better chance to see how they move in their own environment.

The consultation starts by having a chat. We’ll talk about your child’s developmental history from birth, their current abilities, their likes and dislikes, your daily routine, and how you play together. Then, we’ll have some fun together doing different play activities.

The session is a chance for us to better understand your family’s situation, your normal activities and your child’s movement skills.

 

Is there a common question parents ask you?

Parents sometimes wonder whether paediatric physiotherapy requires their child to perform exercises. But, in fact, the best way to achieve results in paediatric physiotherapy is through everyday activities and play.

Intervention is far more effective when we use fun activities that children enjoy. Once we’ve determined a child’s needs, we’ll work with the family to come up with simple modifications on how they already play with their child, or add new activities that fit with the family’s daily routine.

 

What are examples of physiotherapy activities for children?

We play games with children, such as “row, row, row your boat” with babies, wrestling games with older children, animal walk races, water activities—the list is endless! We always choose activities that suit the family, the child and their lifestyle. Sometimes, we may suggest specific toys that will help a child’s development.

We also provide coaching for parents. For example, we might teach parents techniques for handling their children, such as how to pick them up from the floor or change table in a way that helps the child get stronger and develop new movement skills.

Our activities are all about strengthening a child’s muscles, supporting their movement development, and improving their balance, coordination or motor planning.

 

How do you make physiotherapy fun for families?

Our sessions will engage children in play based on their interests—whether that’s Peppa Pig, racing cards or playing pretend. We’ll play, sing, be funny and laugh. We’ll get down on the floor and have fun, while encouraging children to try new, more challenging movements and positions.

I love working as a paediatric physiotherapist because I get to play, have fun, sing and laugh every day. 

Want to know more? 

Read more about our paediatric physiotherapist and our early childhood intervention approach

Or contact us