Pivotal Motion has paediatric physiotherapists who work with children at all stages of development in Brisbane, from babies up to teenagers. Our goal is to improve their strength, stability, coordination, and self-confidence in order to perform tasks more easily. Some patients have already received a diagnosis like cerebral palsy, while others have concerns that have been noted during regular check-ups. In other cases, we are approached by parents who feel their child is being left behind.
For over 18 years now, our team has been promoting physical development using scientifically-based assessment and play-based therapy in our Newmarket clinic. Should you feel that your child might need our help, we welcome you to make an appointment online or call us on 07 3352 5116.
How paediatric physiotherapy supports your child's development
Children develop control of their bodies through a normal progression in which they stabilise their heads first, and then learn to roll, crawl and walk, before going on to more complex movements, such as hopping and catching. In cases where there is a delay in this pattern or if the compensatory measures adopted by a child prevent their advancement, physiotherapy provides an ideal solution. Our team will analyse your child’s movements and determine areas that require improvement.
For younger kids, this process feels more like play than exercise, reflecting how they naturally learn. Our goal is to equip your child with the physical skills they need to participate with their peers and keep up as they grow.
Signs your child may benefit from a paediatric physiotherapist
Problems associated with movement differ from one age group to another. As a result, it is important to be aware of the signs that indicate them in all of the different stages of development.
When it comes to infants, some of the early warning signs include:
- Feeling very floppy or too tight when holding
- A strong preference for turning on one side
- Inability to roll or sit up by the expected age
- A flattened head or tilted head posture
These signs can be seen in young children through their physical activities, and include:
- Regularly tripping up
- Tip-toeing long after the age of toddlerhood
- Not climbing stairs
- Get tired much quicker than the other children their age
- A reluctance to participate in playground activities that other kids do easily
- Difficulty in activities such as jumping and catching, or in balancing
For teenagers, the problem may be growth itself. Watch for:
- Sudden growth spurts that occur faster than their coordination develops, making them clumsy and sore in their legs
- Struggling with sports that they used to find easy
- Persistent pain and difficulty healing from even small injuries
Before proceeding with physiotherapy, it is important to find the right point to start from. Your child’s health takes precedence over organising a meeting with us. If your child falls sick or has experienced a decline in their health condition, you should talk to your GP or a paediatrician. It is only after that that we can take up physiotherapy, especially when the problem is related to your child’s movement.
Conditions our paediatric physiotherapists treat
Our paediatric physiotherapy spans complex lifelong conditions through to delays that resolve with the right early input.
Neurological and neuromuscular conditions
Children who encounter difficulties due to the effect of conditions on the nervous system or the muscles usually need physiotherapy treatment as an important aspect of their therapy. We cater for children with various conditions, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and brain injury. Our main objective is to improve mobility and independence. We assist in managing muscle tone and preventing secondary problems caused by immobility. Moreover, we provide assistance to each child in using assistive devices such as walkers and standing frames. The objectives are realistic and include being able to walk for short distances and participate in school-related activities with other children.
Developmental delays and coordination difficulties
Many children we encounter don’t have a formal diagnosis, and for some, it isn’t necessary. We often assist kids experiencing challenges like gross motor delay, developmental coordination disorder, low muscle tone, or movement difficulties related to autism or ADHD. These children may find it hard to coordinate their movements and be aware of their bodies, impacting their ability to enjoy everyday play and sports. Through therapy, we develop these skills incrementally by incorporating play that captivates the child’s interest while gradually expanding their abilities. Offering support early on can transform a child’s experience from avoiding physical activity to embracing it with enthusiasm.
What happens during a paediatric physiotherapy appointment
When you first visit, we begin with a chat about any concerns you have and your child’s developmental history, focusing on milestones they’ve reached or might have missed. We then observe your child as they play and move, which helps us see how they walk, balance, and use their muscles. This observation often provides deeper insights than any single test could. Our goal is to ensure the assessment feels enjoyable rather than like a formal examination.
Once we have a clear picture, we discuss our findings with you in straightforward language and work together to set goals. You’ll leave with a clear plan that typically includes simple activities to practice at home between sessions. We keep you involved throughout the process because the more you understand the plan, the quicker your child tends to progress.
NDIS funding for paediatric physiotherapy in Brisbane
Physiotherapy is a popular support option funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and many children benefit from sessions through this program. The process of booking and paying for these services varies based on how your plan is managed.Â
If you manage your plan yourself, you enjoy the greatest flexibility. You can choose any provider, including our services, and submit our invoices for reimbursement through the myplace portal without needing us to be registered. Families with plan-managed arrangements also have similar freedom. In this case, your plan manager handles our invoices on your behalf, allowing you to focus on attending the sessions while we coordinate the paperwork with them.Â
For those with agency-managed plans, NDIS pays providers directly, but you must select from providers registered with the scheme. It’s important to verify registration before proceeding.Â
Typically, funding for physiotherapy falls under the capacity building budget, specifically in the improved daily living category. If your child’s plan does not currently include physiotherapy, you can request its inclusion during a planning meeting or a plan review. Bringing evidence, such as a letter or assessment from a healthcare professional that explains why this support is necessary, strengthens your case. We can offer assessment reports and progress letters to support a review, which are crucial when requesting additional hours or renewals. If you’re unsure how physiotherapy fits into your child’s plan, feel free to contact us for guidance.
Book a paediatric physiotherapy appointment in Brisbane
Our clinic is located at 240 Enoggera Road, Newmarket, Brisbane inner north, with professional pediatric physiotherapy practitioners who can assist your child in their recovery. A referral is not necessary for private consultations, and we accept NDIS and Medicare referrals. For appointments, please book online or contact us at 07 3352 5116.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a paediatric physiotherapist in Brisbane?
Referral is not required to make an appointment privately or for a self-funded family. Referral is required only if you claim using Medicare, and the plan will be signed by a GP. You will then have up to five subsidised allied health appointments a year. An NDIS family won't require a referral from a GP, but the physiotherapy should be covered in their plan.
How many physiotherapy sessions will my child need?
It depends on what we are treating. A relatively small coordination problem may get sorted out in just a few sessions, while a long-term problem associated with the nervous system can be treated in regular intervals of therapy. We will assess you first and then come up with a realistic prognosis.
Can paediatric physiotherapy help my child if they do not have a diagnosis?
Yes. Many of the children we help do not even have any official diagnosis; their parents are just certain that something is not right about their development. The physiotherapeutic approach focuses on how your child moves and not on any diagnosis, and we evaluate your child based on their needs. If we think that seeking a medical opinion is necessary, we will inform you.
What should my child wear to their physiotherapy appointment?
Loose-fitting clothes are ideal, as they allow the most movement. Your child should also wear supportive footwear like sneakers. For babies and toddlers, it is best to put them in clothes that are easily removable, as most of the time they are tested wearing only their nappies or singlets. Bringing a favourite toy can also help a younger child settle.
