Physiotherapy

Your child's specialist doctor or paediatrician can refer your child to physiotherapy if assessment and management is required.

The physiotherapist will then visit you on the ward if your child is an inpatient, or get in touch over the phone to arrange an outpatient appointment at a time that is suitable to you.

Your child can expect to undergo a comprehensive assessment. This means that the physiotherapist will have a look at your child's strength, fitness, flexibility, coordination, balance and developmental skills and assess your child’s breathing and pain.

They also gather information about your child’s home and school environment, and their hobbies and interests.

Physiotherapists then work with you and your child to set goals, They will then plan and  perform treatments to help your child get better.

The treatments are tailored to each individual. They can be modified to your child's medical condition to ensure that all treatments are safe and beneficial.

Treatment settings

Physiotherapists see your child on the ward or in the physiotherapy department treatment spaces, Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.

Sometimes they will see your child in the Oncology Treatment Centre or in the hydrotherapy pool, depending on your child's needs.

When in hospital, it’s helpful if your child is dressed, has shoes on and is out of bed. This also helps to normalise their routine and encourage physical activity.

You and your child may meet different physiotherapists at the hospital. We all work together to provide your child with the best possible care.

We may also ask you to support your child with their treatments to help them work towards their goals when they're feeling well enough to do so.