What is Where can I find a paediatric

physiotherapy? physiotherapist? PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy
is a healthcare
The majority of paediatric physiotherapists
work in the NHS – your GP can advise you FOR CHILDREN
profession that about local paediatric services and make a
promotes the health referral if appropriate.
and wellbeing of all.
Some paediatric physiotherapists work in
Physiotherapists
private practice – you can search for one by
are responsible for
using the CSP’s online search facility at:
the assessment
and physical
www.physio2U.org.uk
management of
problems due to
accident, injury,
ageing, disease or When choosing a paediatric physiotherapist
disability. make sure that they have specialist
knowledge and experience of treating
children and of childhood disabilities, and
that they are registered with the Health and
Care Professions Council (HCPC).
What is paediatric physiotherapy? All adults working with children should have
DBS Enhanced Disclosure.
Paediatric physiotherapy is the treatment and care of
babies, children and young people from birth to 19 years.
Paediatric physiotherapists bring their specialist
skills as physiotherapists and have additional expert
knowledge and experience of child development and of
childhood disabilities.

Published: November 2014

Review: November 2017

The Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists

is a Professional Network of the Chartered Society
of Physiotherapy (CSP) bringing together paediatric
physiotherapists to promote the development of best Association of Paediatric
practice in paediatric physiotherapy. Chartered Physiotherapists
apcp.csp.org.uk
What do paediatric physiotherapists do? Conditions Treated Where do paediatric physiotherapists work?
Treatment is based upon an assessment of the child’s Paediatric physiotherapy covers a wide range of clinical Paediatric physiotherapists may work in a variety of
needs and the formation of an individualised approach to practice and conditions – some are similar to those seen settings:
physical management to maximise physical potential. in adults and some are specific to children, for example: lC
 hild’s home
Paediatric physiotherapists recognise the importance of l Neuromuscular disorders e.g. muscular dystrophy lS
 chools
working in partnership with the child, parents and carers
l Acute injuries e.g. fractures, sports injuries lN
 urseries
to maximise a child’s physical abilities and independence.
lN
 eurological conditions e.g. cerebral palsy, head lC
 linics
injury lC
 hild Development Centres
Working with:
lR
 espiratory conditions e.g. asthma, cystic fibrosis lC
 hildren’s Centres
l Parents and carers
lR
 heumatological conditions e.g. juvenile idiopathic lH
 ospitals
l Paediatricians arthritis
lH
 ospices
l Teachers lC
 ongenital disorders e.g. spina bifida, limb
deficiencies
l School nurses
lO
 rthopaedic conditions e.g. talipes, torticollis,
l GPs
plagiocephaly
l Social workers
lL
 earning difficulties
l Occupational Therapists
lC
 ongenital syndromes and metabolic diseases
l Speech and Language Therapists
lN
 eonatal care
l Psychologists
lD
 evelopmental delay
l Orthotists Preventative Healthcare
lC
 o-ordination difficulties
l Dieticians Paediatric physiotherapists may also be involved with
lC
 onditions where mobility is affected promoting health and wellbeing in children through:
lB
 urns and plastics lB
 ack care and posture advice
lA
 ctivity and exercise programmes