Children’s Physiotherapy

Recover PhysioPhysiotherapyChildren’s Physiotherapy

It’s natural to feel concerned when pain, injury, or illness affects your child, especially when it stops them from enjoying the activities they love. At Recover Physio, we understand this. That’s why we offer specialist assessment and treatment for children aged 7 and older, supporting them through a range of growth-related pains, developmental conditions, and sports or overuse injuries.

We are committed to maintaining a friendly, positive, and engaging clinic environment to help your child get back to their best. We know that sport and activity can be a huge part of a young person’s life, and we work hard to find the right balance between recovery and helping them safely continue with the things they enjoy.

Read on to learn more about how we treat children with paediatric physiotherapy.

Callum McVeigh - Physiotherapist at Recover Physio Norwich
Callum McVeigh – Physiotherapist

What is Children’s Physiotherapy?

Children’s Physiotherapy, also known as Paediatric Physiotherapy, is a specialised area that focuses on the unique demands experienced by developing bodies. Children aren’t just small adults; their bodies are constantly growing and changing, which requires a distinct approach.

Our therapists combine expert physiotherapy skills with an in-depth knowledge of childhood growth and maturation. We work collaboratively with both the child and their family to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of movement and functional issues. The goal is not only to identify a problem and manage its symptoms but also to promote confidence and quality of movement. In doing so, we aim to nurture lifelong positive attitudes towards health, exercise, and physical wellbeing.

Common Conditions We Treat in Children

Our child physio team in Norwich can assess and manage a variety of conditions that affect children and adolescents, relating to their growth, development, and sporting lives.

Some of the common issues we see include:

  • Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A frequent cause of knee pain in active, growing children, located just below the kneecap where the patella tendon attaches.
  • Sever’s Disease: Heel pain that often affects children during growth spurts, related to the attachment of the Achilles tendon.
  • Sports Injuries: From helping young athletes recover from sprains and strains to creating bespoke injury prevention plans to prevent future problems.
  • Flat Feet or In-Toeing: Addressing your child’s walking pattern to improve their gait.
  • Idiopathic toe-walking: Assessing why it is occurring and education on gait patterns.
  • Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Supporting your child to regain full strength and function after an operation.
  • Postural and Neck Pain: Often linked to increased screen time or carrying heavy school bags.
  • Coordination and Balance Issues: Developing strategies to improve movement control as your child grows.
  • Management of Long-Term Conditions: Providing support for children with conditions like Cerebral Palsy. 

Physiotherapy for Children vs. Adults: What’s the Difference?

While the core principles of what we do remain the same, our approach to Paediatric Physiotherapy is tailored specifically for younger clients.

The main difference is the environment and the approach. We understand that children need a setting where they feel at ease, so our sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and interactive.

We also actively involve parents or guardians in the sessions – you are a vital part of your child’s recovery team! Our therapists make sure that both you and your child understand the problem and how to manage it effectively.

Our physiotherapists have a deep understanding of paediatric growth, tailoring treatments that account for the fact that children’s bodies are constantly developing. However, our underlying philosophy is consistent with our adult services: we aim to treat the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms, to deliver a permanent recovery.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Appointment

For any child under the age of 18, it is important that a parent or legal guardian is present for their treatment sessions.

The session will begin with a friendly chat with both you and your child to get a clear picture of the problem. This is followed by a thorough but gentle physical assessment, which might involve strength testing, checking the range of motion, and screening movement patterns.

We take the time to explain our findings in a way that is easy to understand for both of you before creating a personalised treatment plan. We always ensure the session is as engaging as possible, and if we feel a referral to another specialist is needed, we’ll discuss this with you and support the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age of children do you treat?

We provide specialist physiotherapy for children aged 7 and older.

Do I have to be present for my child’s appointment?

Yes, we require a parent or legal guardian to be present for every treatment session. We also encourage your involvement throughout the treatment process to best support your child’s recovery.

Is children’s physiotherapy just for sports injuries?

Not at all. While we treat many sports-related problems, we also help children with a wide variety of other conditions, from postural issues and developmental related issues to playground tumbles.

How many sessions will my child need?

This really depends on the individual child and their specific condition. After the initial assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss a recommended treatment plan and give you an estimated timeframe.

Does my child need to have an injury to see a physio?

No. Physiotherapy can also be about preventing injury, optimising movement, and enhancing performance, in addition to standard injury recovery.

Speak to a Therapist

If you would like to discuss your child’s condition to find out how we can help, you can speak to one of our friendly therapists. Just click below to request a callback from a member of our team. Alternatively, if you would like to get going with treatment straight away, you can book an Initial Assessment online by clicking the link below.

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Find Your Nearest Branch

If you’d like to book an initial consultation for your child, you can book online at our Princes Street clinic in Norwich city centre or our clinic at The Nest on Holt Road, Norwich. We are proud to serve the wider Norfolk community.

Princes Street, Norwich City Centre

Find our Norwich city centre physio clinic in Tombland.

The Nest, Holt Road

Find our North Norwich physio clinic at The Nest on Holt Road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a children’s physiotherapist do?

A children’s, or paediatric, physiotherapist is a specialist in assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal issues in growing and developing bodies. They treat a wide variety of issues, from growth-related pains like Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter disease to sports injuries and rehabilitation after surgery. They create tailored treatment plans that are engaging and often play-based to help manage pain, promote healing, and restore function. A vital part of their role is educating both the child and parents on the condition to prevent future problems.

At what age can children have physiotherapy?

At Recover Physio, we provide specialist assessment and treatment for children aged 7 and older. Children’s bodies are not just smaller versions of adult bodies; they have unique demands related to growth and development. Our physiotherapists have in-depth knowledge of childhood maturation, allowing us to provide appropriate, effective care for this age group.

Is physiotherapy beneficial for children?

Yes, physiotherapy is highly beneficial for children as it provides a clear diagnosis for their pain and a treatment plan to fix the root cause. It helps manage symptoms, promote correct healing, and improve strength and coordination, which is essential for a growing body. Treatment also empowers children and their families with the knowledge to manage their condition and prevent re-injury, allowing them to confidently return to the sports and activities they love.

What should I expect at my child’s first physiotherapy session?

Your child’s first appointment is an Initial Assessment, and we require a parent or legal guardian to be present. The session begins with a friendly chat with both you and your child to understand the history of the problem. This is followed by a gentle physical assessment to test movement and strength, allowing us to form an accurate diagnosis, which we will explain clearly. We then create a personalised treatment plan and begin the first steps of treatment, ensuring you both leave with a clear understanding of the recovery path.