When you hear the title ‘paediatric physiotherapist’, you might picture a professional who treats children with injuries like ankle sprains or broken arms. However, the role is much broader than that. Paediatric physiotherapists work with children who experience developmental delays, movement disorders, and other conditions that affect physical function. They assess and treat a wide range of issues, including motor coordination problems, musculoskeletal conditions, and neurological disorders. Their work often involves helping children develop the strength, mobility, and flexibility needed for everyday activities. they work closely with families to create individualised treatment plans. Additionally, they address concerns that can impact a child’s overall well-being, such as posture, balance, and coordination, ensuring that the child’s physical health supports their growth and social development.

Sarah* (name protected for privacy) has been treating paediatric patients for the past five years at a private practice in Sydney. Her approach to paediatric physiotherapy is both compassionate and creative, and it’s clear from speaking with her that she is passionate about her work.

"I always make sure I update my toy box and have a premium selection for the kids," she laughs.

While it might sound playful, it’s an essential part of her strategy to engage her young patients in therapy sessions.

Many of Sarah's patients come from a diverse range of backgrounds and have different physical and developmental challenges. Some, like the 9-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, face complex, ongoing challenges with motor coordination, balance, and strength. Others, like a 7-year-old boy with joint hypermobility, may have issues related to flexibility and muscle strength. Sarah also treats a 10-year-old boy with autism, who faces difficulties with coordination and sensory integration, and a 3-year-old girl with Down syndrome, who requires support in developing motor skills for daily living.

Each of Sarah's patients presents with unique needs, but they all share the same goal: to improve their ability to move, function, and interact with the world around them.

Sarah’s first step in working with any new patient is to conduct a thorough assessment.

"It’s all about understanding the individual child’s challenges, their strengths, and how we can work together to meet their goals," she explains.

During the assessment, Sarah takes time to observe the child’s movement patterns, flexibility, strength, and coordination. For children with conditions like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, Sarah may also evaluate muscle tone, posture, and motor skills to identify areas that need attention. She looks at how a child performs everyday tasks, such as walking, running, jumping, or even sitting and standing. For those with more complex neurological or developmental issues, the assessment will include looking at how the child responds to sensory input, including touch and movement, and how they engage with their environment.

One of Sarah’s primary focuses is to make therapy sessions engaging and enjoyable. She believes that the more fun a child has, the more likely they are to be motivated and to see progress.

"I have a toy box full of activities that not only engage children but also target their physical therapy goals," she shares.

These toys and games range from balance boards and climbing structures to small therapy balls and interactive activities that encourage stretching and strengthening.

For example, when treating the 9-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, Sarah uses games that involve balancing on an inflatable cushion or standing on a balance beam. These activities help her develop her posture and improve her stability. Sarah also introduces stretches and strengthening exercises to help improve her muscle tone and mobility. Through targeted therapy, Sarah helps this young girl improve her ability to walk independently, increasing both her physical and emotional confidence.

Similarly, with the 7-year-old boy with joint hypermobility, Sarah focuses on exercises to build strength and protect the joints from excessive flexibility.

"With children who have hypermobility, it’s important to build muscle around the joints to prevent injuries and provide stability," she explains.

Sarah incorporates strengthening exercises and fun games that promote muscle endurance, such as obstacle courses or tug-of-war.

For the 10-year-old boy with autism, Sarah uses a more structured approach that includes exercises designed to improve sensory integration and motor coordination.

"Many children with autism can have difficulty with proprioception, which is how they understand where their bodies are in space," she explains. "So, I work on improving body awareness and coordination."

Sarah uses a combination of sensory toys, like textured balls and weighted blankets, as well as games that encourage hand-eye coordination, such as balloon volleyball or catching activities. These help to develop both fine and gross motor skills while also promoting social interaction and emotional development.

With the 3-year-old girl with Down syndrome, Sarah works on helping her reach developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, and climbing.

"At this age, it’s all about developing motor skills that are crucial for daily activities like eating, dressing, and playing," Sarah says.

She uses age-appropriate exercises and games, such as climbing soft structures or crawling through tunnels, to build strength and coordination. These activities not only aid her physical development but also help her engage socially with other children, an important aspect of her growth.

Sarah finds great joy in the progress she witnesses in her patients, both big and small.

"Every day is different, and every child is different," she says. "Seeing a child master a new skill, or take their first independent steps, is incredibly rewarding."

Sarah is deeply passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of the children she treats, and she takes pride in her role as a positive influence in their physical and emotional development.

"It’s not just about treating their physical needs; it's about helping them live a more independent, fulfilling life," she explains. "When I see a child achieve a milestone, I feel like I’ve helped them unlock new opportunities for growth."

Sarah is also deeply invested in working closely with families to ensure that therapy extends beyond the clinic. She believes that parents are essential partners in their child’s treatment plan, and she takes time to explain exercises, offer advice on managing the child’s condition at home, and provide ongoing support.

Ultimately, Sarah's love for her job comes from the deep connection she forms with her young patients and their families.

"Every day, I’m reminded that my work can change lives. It’s an honour to be a part of their journey and to see the positive impact of what we do together."