At Kids Physiotherapy Waterford, I provide physiotherapy support for children with physical disabilities and complex medical conditions that may impact movement, posture, balance, coordination, and participation in everyday life. My approach is child-centred, developmentally informed, and focused on working collaboratively with families. 

Children with complex needs often develop skills differently and face unique challenges. Physiotherapy aims to optimise movement and function, support participation, and build confidence, tailored to each child’s individual pattern of abilities and goals. 

Commonly supported conditions include: 

• Cerebral Palsy 

• Spina Bifida 

• Pachygyria and other cortical malformations 

• Hypotonia 

• Hydrocephalus 

• Chiari Malformation 

• Epilepsy 

• Childhood cancer (during or after treatment) 

• Global developmental delay 

• Complex or rare developmental conditions 

Common challenges that may be addressed in physiotherapy: 

• Differences in gross motor skills, such as crawling, standing, walking, or stair navigation 

• Variations in muscle tone, strength, and endurance 

• Difficulties with balance, postural control, and coordination 

• Motor planning challenges and safe movement strategies 

• Fatigue, confidence, or participation in play, school, and daily activities 

• Functional independence in day-to-day tasks 

• Support for transitions, handling, positioning, or equipment needs 

Physiotherapy support is always individualised, guided by each child’s strengths, goals, and functional profile rather than diagnosis alone. 

Sessions are adapted to the child’s energy levels, medical needs, and sensory profile. Play-based and relationship-focused therapy is used to support engagement and confidence. 

Developmental Milestones and Individual Timelines 

Children with physical disabilities and complex medical conditions often achieve developmental milestones on a very wide range of timelines. Some may take longer to sit, stand, or walk, while others may develop skills in a different order or in ways that look different to their peers. 

Many parents describe feeling pressure — from comparisons with other children, from wellmeaning family members, or from questions such as “Are they walking yet?” It is important to understand that while physiotherapy can support strength, movement opportunities, and confidence, development cannot be rushed or forced. 

Each child develops at their own pace. Progress is influenced by many factors, including muscle tone, joint stability, neurological development, health, and the child’s own motivation and readiness. Physiotherapy focuses on supporting development, not measuring children against unrealistic timelines. 

How Physiotherapy Can Help 

Physiotherapy aims to support each child’s physical development, independence, and participation, while also guiding and supporting families along the way. Input is tailored to the individual child and may include: 

• Playbased support for gross motor skills (e.g. sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping) 

• Activities to develop strength, endurance, posture, balance, and coordination 

• Movement experiences that support body awareness (proprioception) and the vestibular system 

• Monitoring posture and movement as children grow, including screening for hip dysplasia, scoliosis, and other musculoskeletal concerns 

• Guidance around footwear and, where appropriate, orthotics 

• Advice on cycling (e.g. balance bikes, trikes, adapted bikes, or additional supports) 

• Guidance around sports and physical activities that are enjoyable and accessible 

• Advice on equipment that may support movement, participation, or independence 

• Practical strategies to support movement at home, in school, and in the community 

Recommendations and priorities change over time, and physiotherapy support is adapted as a child grows, develops, and their needs evolve. 

The focus is always on building on the child’s strengths, supporting enjoyment of movement, and promoting longterm physical wellbeing. 

Getting Therapy Right for Children 

Effective physiotherapy for children is not about forcing skills or repeating the same task at all costs. Children learn best through play, positive relationships, and feeling safe, understood, and respected. 

Every child has different needs, and these can influence how they engage in therapy. Differences in communication, cognition, sensory preferences or sensitivities, anxiety around movement, regulation, interests, energy levels, and health all affect participation from day to day. These factors are recognised and respected within each session. 

Sessions are guided by the child’s cues, interests, and motivation on the day. If a child is tired, overwhelmed, or not ready to practise a particular skill, therapy may shift to a different activity or focus on another area of movement. Problemsolving, creativity, and flexibility are key. 

By following the child’s lead and creating enjoyable movement experiences, physiotherapy supports learning, confidence, and longterm engagement with movement — recognising that progress is individual, nonlinear, and that every day can look different. 

A Supportive and Individualised Approach 

Every child has their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Physiotherapy does not aim to change who a child is, but to support movement, comfort, and participation in ways that respect the child’s body, development, and overall wellbeing. 

If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your child, or if your child has a diagnosis not listed above, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss your concerns.