Physiotherapy plays an important role in supporting children and young people with orthopaedic conditions and around surgical care. Whether a child is recovering from an injury, preparing for surgery, or returning to everyday activities and sport, physiotherapy aims to support safe movement, confidence, and participation at each stage. 

Support is tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, and individual needs, with a focus on helping them return to the activities that matter to them. 

How physiotherapy can help 

Physiotherapy support in orthopaedics may include: 

• Supporting recovery following injury or surgery 

• Restoring movement, strength, and function 

• Supporting confidence with movement and weight-bearing 

• Gradual return to play, school activities, and sport 

• Guidance for parents around pacing, activity, and recovery 

• Liaison with schools or sports where appropriate 

Therapy is adapted to each child and delivered in a way that is age-appropriate, supportive, and mindful of a child’s overall development. 

Common orthopaedic conditions supported 

Physiotherapy may be helpful for a range of orthopaedic presentations, including: 

• Fractures and recovery following casting or immobilisation 

• Joint dislocations or instability 

• Pre-operative physiotherapy (prehabilitation) 

• Post-operative rehabilitation 

• Muscle strains or soft tissue injuries 

• Overuse injuries related to sport or activity 

• Lower limb alignment concerns, such as in-toeing or out-toeing 

• Foot and ankle conditions affecting walking or running 

This list is not exhaustive, and physiotherapy input is always guided by the child’s individual presentation and goals. 

Pre- and post-operative physiotherapy 

Physiotherapy can be helpful both before and after surgery. Pre-operative support may focus on preparing a child and family for what to expect, maintaining movement and strength where appropriate, and supporting confidence. 

Post-operative physiotherapy focuses on supporting recovery in a safe, graded way, helping children regain movement, strength, and trust in their bodies, while working within surgical guidelines and medical advice. 

Getting started 

If your child has an orthopaedic condition, is awaiting surgery, or is recovering following injury or an operation, physiotherapy support can be discussed on an individual basis. 

📩 Please get in touch to arrange an appointment or to discuss whether physiotherapy may be helpful for your child.