Fees, Funding & FAQ’s

Physiotherapy can begin from birth. Premature babies, for example, are often seen by physiotherapists while still in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery (SCN). For young infants, physiotherapy typically focuses on handling and positioning — providing the right opportunities for them to activate and strengthen their muscles. Beginning supervised tummy time early (in line with SIDS guidelines) is especially important, as it helps build neck strength, and generally, the earlier tummy time is introduced, the better babies tend to tolerate it.

The ideal frequency varies widely from child to child. What makes the biggest difference is not how often you see your paediatric physiotherapist — whether that’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly — but what is practised at home each day. Your physiotherapist’s role is to teach you the strategies that support your child’s development and to adjust these activities as your child progresses. Appointment frequency often changes over time; many children benefit from regular sessions early on and later move to occasional “check-ins” as their skills improve.

Firstly, it’s important to determine whether there is truly a concern. Children develop at different speeds, and there is a wide range of what is considered typical. It’s common for children to progress quickly in one area and more slowly in another — for example, a child may walk early at 8–9 months but not say their first word until around 18 months.

A helpful resource for checking whether your child’s development is on track is the Queensland Health Red Flags Tool, which outlines expected skills for babies and young children and identifies when delays may warrant further assessment. For example, while most children start walking between 12 and 14 months, medical advice is usually recommended only if a child is not walking by 18 months — though many families choose to see a paediatric physiotherapist sooner for reassurance or early support.

Most children’s physiotherapists work exclusively with children, giving them a deep understanding of typical infant and child development. Working with young children is very different from treating adults — exercises need to be engaging, motivating, and delivered through play. For this reason, therapy is often “play-based,” with therapeutic goals embedded in games and activities your child enjoys.

Children also experience conditions that are unique to childhood or present very differently than in adults, and paediatric physiotherapists have specialised training to assess and manage these. They typically undertake additional study focused on child development, paediatric conditions, and family-centred care. Equipment prescription is another area where children differ; paediatric physios are skilled in selecting and adapting equipment to support growth, safety, and participation in everyday activities.

The best way to know if a children’s physiotherapist is the right fit is to try a few sessions and observe how they connect with your child. It’s important to remember that a child’s social stage can influence how they respond — for example, many babies develop “stranger danger” around seven months, and some children may remain cautious of new people until three or four years of age.

Even so, a consistent therapist should be able to build rapport over time and support your child to engage and do their best. A good physiotherapist will also take the time to understand your family’s priorities, routines, and time pressures, and they will tailor therapy and your child’s home program to fit comfortably within your family life.

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