Physiotherapy for Children (Paediatric Physiotherapy)

The Children’s Physiotherapy service (Paediatric Physiotherapy) sees babies, children and young people from 0 to 19, who are delayed in their development or affected by injury, illness or disability.

We help to improve or restore movement, strength, function and independence. In addition to our specialist skills we have additional expert knowledge and experience of child development, movement and childhood disabilities.

Children and young people are seen at the following sites:

• The Children’s Centre, Ysbty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash
• Carnegie Clinic, Trealaw
• The Children’s Centre, Royal Glamorgan Hospital
• The Children’s Centre, Princess of Wales Hospital

Who is it for?

We see children and young people with a variety of conditions including:

• Neuromuscular disorders e.g. Muscular Dystrophy
• Neurological conditions e.g. Cerebral Palsy, head injury,
• Spina Bifida
• Respiratory conditions e.g. Cystic Fibrosis
• Rheumatological conditions e.g. Juvenile Idiopathic
• Arthritis
• Orthopaedic conditions e.g. Talipes, Perthes, Hip Dysplasia
• Musculoskeletal problems e.g. Torticollis, sprains, joint pain
• Congenital syndromes e.g. Down Syndrome, Pradar Willi
• Syndrome
• Developmental delay, which affects how your child moves

Can anyone use this service?

Your child needs a referral from their consultant, GP, health visitor or another health professional they are known to. Children aged 10 and over who are experiencing difficulties with their muscles, bones or joints (musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems.

Opening Times
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

What to expect

Your child will be offered an assessment /appointment at one of our children’s centres. It is important that a person with parental responsibility accompanies the child to this appointment so that informed consent can be gained for assessment and treatment. Collaboration is important from the outset to help maximise your child’s physical abilities and independence.

During the assessment we look at any difficulties your child is having with their movement and how this is impacting on their day to day activities. For example moving around at home or in school or being able to participate in leisure activities.

Once we have completed our assessment we will discuss the results and treatment plan with you. We will see your child as frequently as we think is necessary, based on the findings from their assessment. We normally treat children in a clinic setting, but there might be occasions where we will carry out treatment in school or at home.

Following assessment the plan might include:

• Discharge with advice
• Activities to work on at home
• A treatment block delivered by a physiotherapist or one of
• our health care support workers
• Referrals to other services

Contact us

Useful links

The Association of Paediatric Charted Physiotherapists 
The Association of Paediatric Charted Physiotherapists – Parent Leaflets
Disability Sport Wales