Children's physiotherapy
We provide specialist physiotherapy for children and young people in the community.
What do we do?
We provide specialist physiotherapy assessments and interventions for children and young people from birth to 18 years, or 19 if in full-time education, with an identified or suspected movement or developmental problem. We work closely with colleagues within the Integrated Community Paediatric Service (ICPS) such as Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists in a variety of settings eg home, school, nursery, community clinics and children’s centres. We also work closely with our colleagues in the acute hospital setting, in social care and in education.
Who are we?
We are fully-qualified chartered Physiotherapists registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) with specialist knowledge of children’s conditions, normal growth and physical development. Our team also consists of physiotherapy technicians and assistants who work under the direct supervision of the physiotherapists.
Who do we see?
Children and young people with the following conditions:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophies
- Spina Bifida
- Down's Syndrome
- Developmental delay
- suspected neurological movement disorder
- pre-term infants/low birth weight
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis/oncology in community setting.
We do not accept referrals for the following conditions:
- musculoskeletal conditions
- Cystic Fibrosis/respiratory conditions
- Congenital Talipes Equinovarus
- Torticollis
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- positional talipes
- Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy
- oncology patients undergoing active treatment
- Chronic Fatigue
- functional disorder/chronic pain syndromes
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
These referrals should be directed to the Acute Children's Physiotherapy Services at West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WSHFT) or East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)
How long will my child wait to be seen?
- When a referral is accepted we aim to see all children for an initial assessment within 18 weeks
- Children or young people who are prioritised as having an urgent need will be seen within 2-6 weeks
Where will my child be seen?
Your child could be seen in a health centre or community centre across the county or at their school, nursery or home; whichever is most appropriate.
What will happen at the appointment?
- We will listen to your concerns and ask questions about your child's development
- We will then examine your child through a combination of observation and handling and undertake any relevant assessments
- The physiotherapist will explain what they are doing throughout
- The physiotherapist will then explain their assessment findings and answer any questions/concerns you may have
- We will then agree with you how to manage your child's needs. This may be advice only or exercise/activity prescription. Specialist equipment may be recommended or provided and onward referral will be made where appropriate to other specialist services.
Who can refer to our service:
- community and hospital consultants
- GPs
- school and community nurses
- occupational therapists
- speech and language therapists
- health visitors
- family support practitioners
Contact us
Your view matters:
We aim to offer a good service to you and your child. We welcome your comments, compliments and suggestions.
If you have any queries or concerns with any aspect of your child's care that cannot be resolved with your clinician please contact the team leader.
If you feel unable to discuss your concerns in this way please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)