Paediatric Physiotherapy

Does your child appear floppy or loose in the joints? Do they walk on their toes? Do they have difficulty participating in and/or enjoying sport? Is your baby achieving their developmental milestones compared to other babies?

All of these children would benefit from Paediatric Physiotherapy, a sub-speciality of Physiotherapy just for infants, children and adolescents. Paediatric Physiotherapists have Masters level University training in Paediatric Physiotherapy and undertake advanced training in this area. This includes assessment of a wide range of Paediatric conditions and treatment to improve gross motor development, co-ordination and motor skill.

Triston Hunter, Paediatric Physiotherapist here at Essence Lifestyle Changes is also a long standing member of the Physiotherapy Department at Princess Margaret Hospital. She can assist your infant, child or adolescent with low muscle tone, co-ordination problems, idiopathic toe-walking, or gross motor delay with an accurate assessment and then formulate a treatment plan. She can provide treatment here at Essence, in your home or at school, depending on the unique needs of the child and your family.

Treatment is tailored towards play and games but with specialised exercises focussing on the individualised Physiotherapy goals.  For example, many children present to Physiotherapy with difficulty participating in sport due to fatique, poor coordination or poor strength. These children often have low muscle tone which means they are physically unable to perform play or sport for a length of time. Paediatric Physiotherapy can assist by teaching these children how to use their core muscles, the muscles of the trunk, similar to the fundamentals of Pilates. Physioballs are used for games to strengthen these muscles. Children with low muscle tone then learn how to use their postural muscles and this is transferred to sport and play. They start to enjoy sport, the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Paediatric Physiotherapy is therefore facilitating active participation in sport and play, and helping to build self-esteem and confidence. See Reception for more details.

Triston Hunter

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Step Ahead Therapy Services

Mob: 0434 166 378