Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
How we can help
When seeking musculoskeletal physiotherapy for a child, it’s important to find a physiotherapist who specialises in paediatric care. Children are not little adults, but rather their musculoskeletal growth and development requires specialised training and knowledge. Here at Sydney Kids Physio, our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists have the specific skills and experience to address the unique musculoskeletal needs of children. Providing early and appropriate physiotherapy interventions for children can not only assist in immediate recovery from injuries or management of conditions but also contribute to a foundation of long-term musculoskeletal health.
Treatments we offer
The goals of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy are to promote optimal musculoskeletal health by encouraging healthy bone growth and development, and to improve function by enhancing mobility, strength, and coordination. When in situations of acute injuries, the goal is to provide strategies and therapies to reduce or eliminate pain. Our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists also provide education on injury prevention and management by educating on safe practices and provide interventions to recover from or prevent injuries. We also provide support and assist children and families in managing conditions like juvenile arthritis, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy.
Musculoskeletal Assessment
Musculoskeletal assessment for children is a comprehensive evaluation aimed at identifying the presence, nature, and severity of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These assessments are tailored to recognize not only current musculoskeletal health but also potential impacts on future growth and development.
Kinesio-Taping
Kinesio Taping involves the application of a specific type of elastic tape directly onto the skin to manage pain, reduce inflammation, support joint and muscle function, and enhance performance without restricting the body’s range of motion.
Rigid Sports Taping
Rigid taping, also known as athletic taping or sports taping, is a technique commonly used to stabilise and support joints and muscles during physical activity, prevent injury, or assist in the healing process of an existing injury. Unlike Kinesio Taping, which is elastic and designed to allow full range of motion, rigid taping is non-elastic and aims to restrict movement in a specific direction to protect the joint or muscle from further injury.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a non-invasive treatment method widely used to manage and treat various musculoskeletal conditions. RSWT utilises high-energy sound waves (shockwaves) transmitted to the affected areas to stimulate healing and pain relief.
Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is a therapeutic modality used to accelerate the healing of fractures and promote tissue repair. LIPUS delivers lower intensity ultrasound waves in a pulsed fashion to the targeted tissue areas. This method is non-invasive and is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes at the cellular level.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy refers to the use of hands-on techniques to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. It encompasses a broad range of methods aimed at relieving pain, improving tissue extensibility, increasing range of motion, reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation, inducing relaxation, improving contractile and non-contractile tissue repair, stability, extensibility, and/or facilitating movement to improve function.
Watson’s Approach to Headaches and Migraines
Watson’s approach to headaches and migraines is a therapeutic method developed by Dr. Dean Watson, an Australian physiotherapist. This approach is centred around the assessment and manual treatment of the upper cervical spine (the upper neck region) to manage and treat cervicogenic headaches and migraines. Watson’s approach is particularly focused on treating cervicogenic headaches but has also been found to be beneficial for some patients with migraines and other types of tension-type headaches.
Conditions we support
Musculoskeletal conditions in children encompass a broad range of disorders affecting the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. These conditions can be congenital (present at birth), developmental (occur as the child grows), or acquired (result from injury or illness). They can significantly impact a child’s growth, physical activity, emotional and social development, social participation, academic performance and overall quality of life. Early Intervention is key to helping little ones achieve their best potential.
Torticollis
Torticollis, also known as “wry neck” or congenital muscular torticollis, in babies is a condition in which a child’s head is tilted and/or turned to one side due to a shortening or tightness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck. This muscle runs from the back of the ear to the collarbone to the chest bone and, when tight or short, causes the head to tilt towards and rotate away from the affected side. Torticollis should be treated when babies are under 4 months old, for the best outcomes and to prevent secondary complications like Positional Plagiocephaly and impacting visual pathway formation.
Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly in babies refers to a condition characterised by an asymmetrical distortion (flattening of one side) of the skull. Positional Plagiocephaly is the more common form of plagiocephaly and occurs when a baby’s head becomes flattened due to repeated pressure on one part of the skull. Since babies’ skulls are very soft and malleable in the first months of life, spending a lot of time lying on their backs to sleep or in car seats, strollers, or other devices that put pressure on the back of the head can lead to this flattening. With Plagiocephaly, effective Physiotherapy intervention should be commenced when baby is under 3 months old for the best outcomes.
Knocked Knees
Knocked knees, medically known as genu valgum, is a condition in children where the knees touch or knock together while standing with their ankles apart. In the majority of cases, knocked knees develop as a part of the natural growth process. Children often go through various stages of leg alignment as they grow. However, treatment might be necessary if genu valgum is caused by an underlying condition, is severe, or persists beyond the age when it’s expected to resolve naturally.
Bowed Legs
Bow legs, medically known as genu varum, is a condition in children where the legs curve outward while the feet and ankles are closer together, creating a noticeable gap between the knees when standing straight. For most young children, bow legs are a normal part of their growth and development. However, treatment might be necessary if genu varum is caused by an underlying conditions, is severe, or persists beyond the age when it’s expected to resolve naturally.
Pigeon Toes
Pigeon-toed, also known as in-toeing, is a condition in children where the feet point inward when walking or standing. It is quite common and is often considered a part of normal child development. Although in-toeing often corrects itself without intervention, it’s a good idea to consult an Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist, if you’re concerned about your child’s walking pattern, especially if the in-toeing is, getting worse or present in only one leg or is still pronounced beyond age 8 or accompanied by pain, limping, or a significant delay in walking. These could be signs of more serious conditions that might require specific treatments.
Duck Footed
Duck-footed, or out-toeing, in children refers to a posture or gait where the feet point outward instead of straight ahead when walking or standing. While less common than in-toeing (pigeon-toed), out-toeing is another variation in the way children walk that can be noticed as they learn to walk and continue to grow. Like in-toeing, out-toeing often corrects itself over time without the need for intervention. However, treatment should be considered if the out-toeing is caused by an underlying condition that needs addressing or if your child experiences pain, discomfort, or functional difficulties due to the out-toeing.
Positional Talipes
Positional talipes, also known as positional clubfoot or talipes equinovarus, refers to a common, mild foot deformity noted in newborns. Positional talipes is generally due to the baby’s position in the womb, where the baby’s foot might turn inwards or downwards, but unlike congenital clubfoot, the foot is flexible and can be easily moved back to a normal position by hand. With the right intervention, positional talipes should be corrected within weeks.
Connective Tissue Disorders
Connective tissue disorders in children encompass a broad range of conditions that affect the connective tissues of the body, which include the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bone, and blood vessels. Connective Tissue Disorders can lead to problems throughout the body, impacting growth, development, and function. Examples of Connective Tissue Disorders include Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. If your child has a connective tissue disorder, Paediatric Physiotherapy can help with their gross motor skills and function while managing any symptoms of pain and injury management.
Sporting Injuries
Sporting injuries in children are physical injuries sustained during participation in sports or physical activities. These injuries can range from minor bruises and sprains to more serious conditions such as fractures, concussions, and ligament tears. Given the growing participation of children in organised sports and physical activities, the incidence of such injuries has become a significant concern for parents, coaches, and healthcare professionals. Sporting injuries in children can be broadly categorised into acute injuries which occur as a result of accidents or collisions with other players or objects, or overuse injuries that develop over time due to repetitive stress on the bones, muscles, or joints without adequate rest. Overuse injuries are increasingly common in young athletes due to early specialisation in a single sport and year-round training. If your child sustained a sporting injury, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible with an Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist to ensure that your child recovers optimally and prevent secondary complications from poor healing.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick, web-like ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. It supports the arch of your foot and helps you walk. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of this ligament. It occurs when the plantar fascia is overloaded or overstretched, which can cause small tears and inflammation in the tissue. Plantar fasciitis in children, while less common than in adults, can occur, particularly in those who are very active or overweight. In children and adolescents, heel pain is more frequently diagnosed as Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis), which is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. However, plantar fasciitis can still be a cause of heel pain in this age group.If your child is complaining of heel pain, it is important to see an Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist to have them assessed and correctly diagnosed, in order to have the appropriate treatment to help resolve their heel pain.
Common musculoskeletal conditions by age groups
Wondering if your child is experiencing unusual posture or movement patterns more often than their peers?
Or perhaps you are concerned that your child seems to struggle with activities like walking or running?
Musculoskeletal conditions in babies and children can vary significantly depending on their age and developmental stage. Understanding these conditions and their age-specific prevalence can help in early identification, timely intervention, and appropriate management to ensure better physical health outcomes for children.
Early detection and intervention by a paediatric physiotherapist can significantly improve outcomes for these conditions.
Newborns may experience various musculoskeletal conditions that require specialised care. Conditions like torticollis can cause the head to tilt due to tight neck muscles. Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, can develop from lying in one position too long. Positional talipes, a foot deformity, can affect the way the foot turns. Early intervention is crucial to address these issues and promote normal development.
Infants between 6 to 18 months may face musculoskeletal conditions such as knocked knees or bowed legs, which are common as they begin to stand and walk. Pigeon toes, where the feet turn inward, and duck-footed walking, where the feet turn outward, can also appear. These conditions often correct themselves as the child grows, but monitoring and guidance from a physiotherapist can ensure proper alignment and movement patterns.
Toddlers can encounter musculoskeletal conditions that require specialised care. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, which causes foot pain, and continued issues with torticollis or plagiocephaly may arise. Sporting injuries can also start to appear as toddlers become more active. Early physiotherapy can help manage these conditions and prevent long-term issues.
Preschoolers and early Primary Schoolers may face musculoskeletal challenges such as connective tissue disorders, which affect the body’s connective tissues and can impact overall movement and flexibility. Conditions like knocked knees, bowed legs, and abnormal walking patterns like pigeon toes or duck-footed walking may persist. Physiotherapy can aid in correcting these issues and enhancing motor skills.
Children aged 6–13 are more prone to musculoskeletal issues due to rapid growth, where bones outpace muscles and tendons, and the presence of weaker growth plates that are vulnerable to injury. Increased participation in physical activity also raises the risk of sporting injuries. Physiotherapy supports recovery, reduces pain, and improves strength, balance, and overall function.
Adolescents undergo rapid physical and hormonal changes that affect bone density, strength, coordination, posture, and movement, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Those with special needs face additional challenges, such as altered muscle tone, reduced coordination, and lower or inefficient activity levels, which can lead to secondary complications and higher injury risk. Early paediatric physiotherapy is important to promote safe movement, build strength and stability, prevent injuries, and support functional independence.
Information for parents
As parents, you know your child best. If you feel and see something happening in your child which makes you worry or concerns you, trust your gut instinct. Even if the medical professionals, friends, family and well wishers say to you that “you are overreacting and paranoid”, it doesn’t hurt to speak to a trained and experienced Paediatric Physiotherapist about your concerns for your child.
Here at Sydney Kids Physio, our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists have been helping families and children since 2006. We see babies as young as 1 week old, including premature babies who might actually be 0 weeks old for corrected gestational age, to assess their head shape, hip joint integrity and their feet to make sure that babies don’t have Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips, or Talipes. The most common conditions that babies can have and that Paediatric Physiotherapy can effectively treat to prevent secondary complications such as delayed gross motor skills development.
The common misconceptions we see in the community are parents are told their baby is just small and so they have poor head control or that their baby will grow out of the turned in or turned out foot posture with time. In reality, Paediatric Physiotherapy can help babies improve their head control to prevent a flatten head shape, and awkward foot postures can be corrected early as an infant to prevent secondary issues of delayed walking or frequent trips and falls at 3 or 4 years old.
If you are concerned about your baby’s head posture, or feet posture, reach out to Sydney Kids Physio to speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists. Find out about how we can help improve your baby’s head control and leg and foot posture to help them achieve their optimal growth and development.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a Paediatric Physiotherapist in Australia. Take advantage of our 15 minute FREE PHONE CONSULTATION.
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Information for specialists
As Paediatric Physiotherapists, we are often working closely with General Practitioners, Paediatricians, Neurologists, Respiratory Specialists, Paediatric Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Dietitians, Feeding Therapists, Psychologists, Behavioural Therapists, Optometrists, Behavioural Optometrists, Orthotists and Podiatrists to help little ones achieve their best potentials.
Musculoskeletal conditions such as a mis-shapen head, or a persistent head tilt or turned in feet are often mistakenly brushed off as cosmetic concerns that will correct themselves. So parents are often sent off feeling “superficial and vain” for over-reacting about their child’s head shape or foot posture. In reality, there is a lack of awareness of the role of Early Intervention Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in managing common musculoskeletal conditions like Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Positional Talipes and even Idiopathic Toe Walking.
Here at Sydney Kids Physio, our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists have been helping families and children since 2006. We provide the Early Intervention Paediatric Physiotherapy to assess and correct musculoskeletal conditions in babies and toddlers to improve head control which promotes their musculoskeletal development and secondary issues of gross motor skills developmental delay.
If you are a Medical Professionals seeing a baby who seems to have a persistent head tilt, or a flatten head shape or a child who is frequently tripping and falling over their own feet resulting in minor bruises or head injuries, it is worthwhile referring them for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy to correct their head shape and foot postures.
Reach out to Sydney Kids Physio to speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists about your concerns about the child you are seeing to find out if we can help improve their musculoskeletal function to allow them to increase their social participation with their peers and family. Together we can help more children build great foundations for bright futures.
We're only ever a phone call away.
Welcome
The Dream Team
It takes a village to raise a child, and that saying is never more true when you have a child with Special Needs. At Sydney Kids Physio, you can be assured that our team is committed to helping you equip your child with the skills they need to achieve their best potential.
Our Team led by Neesha Gan, an Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist with over 26 years of Physiotherapy experience, lives by our core values to deliver Expert Knowledge with Empathy, Respect and Transparent Communication. We understand that the journey of parenting is a lifelong journey filled with the greatest joys and the deepest sorrows which can be overwhelming and daunting at times. We have walked that journey together with thousands of families, and we believe that working together, we can and must create great foundations for bright futures. We look forward to being a part of your family’s journey.
