The Children and Young People's Physiotherapy service helps children and young people from birth to 18 years old who have physical difficulties. It can also support those up to 19 years old if they are in a special education setting.
The people who work in this service are called community physiotherapists. They can:
- check how your child moves
- give treatment
- offer advice.
A community physiotherapist can also:
- work with your child one-to-one or in a group
- run specialist clinics
- make exercise plans for stretching and strengthening
- give advice on posture, positioning, and safe handling
- help schools understand how children with physical needs can take part in lessons
- train parents, carers, and school staff so care can continue at home or school.
Sometimes your child may need ongoing physiotherapy. Families play an important role in helping therapy make a positive difference.
Conditions we support
We help children with:
- problems with the brain and nerves
- developmental delay
- joint and muscle conditions
- difficulties with movement and coordination
- walking problems
- conditions present from birth
- recovery after surgery
- head injuries.
These conditions can affect daily life and independence.
Where we work
Physiotherapy can take place:
- at home
- in children’s centres
- in nurseries
- in special schools
- in mainstream schools
- in clinics
- in joint clinics at specialist centres.
Who we work with
Community physiotherapists often work with:
- occupational therapists
- speech and language therapists
- doctors
- nurses
- schools and social care teams.
How to get a referral
A professional who works with your child must make the referral. Your child must:
- be registered with a Medway general practice (GP)
- attend a Medway education setting.
To make a referral:
- phone: 0300 123 5005.
- email: MEDCH.childrenscommunity@nhs.net.
You can also make a referral for children's physiotherapy online.
For more information visit the Medway Community Healthcare website.