Paediatric physiotherapy is a specialist service for children and young people aged 0 to 18 years old (up to 19 for those in special schools) with gross motor difficulties that impact their everyday life and independence.
Conditions include:
- neurological conditions
- developmental delay
- rheumatology
- developmental co-ordination
- abnormal gait
- orthopaedic
- musculoskeletal problems
- rehabilitation following surgery
- acquired head injuries
Community physiotherapists assess, treat and provide advice to children, young people and their families.
They work as a team of paediatric occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, paediatricians, nursing teams, education and social care services.
Their work can involve:
- direct therapy on an individual basis or in groups
- specialist clinics
- stretching and strengthening exercise plans
- postural care, positioning and manual handling
- health promotion and advice to schools on how children with physical needs can fully access the curriculum to their maximum potential
- training for parents, carers and school staff to carry out programmes to enable continued care
The service provides therapy to children at:
- home
- children's centres
- nurseries
- special schools
- mainstream schools
- clinics
How to get a referral
Referrals are accepted from any professional working with a child or young person who has a Medway GP and or attends a Medway school.
Parents can call the duty system for information about referrals on 0300 123 5005 or email MEDCH.childrenscommunity@nhs.net.
You can also make a referral for children's physiotherapy online.