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Support category

Physiotherapy

Support for movement, strength, balance, coordination, mobility and physical participation.

Published 4 October 2026Last reviewed 4 October 2026

Paediatric Physiotherapy: What Families and Referrers Need to Know

Paediatric physiotherapy supports children's movement and physical participation. A child physiotherapist may work on skills such as balance, coordination, strength, mobility and physical confidence, depending on the child's needs.

The aim is often practical: helping a child participate in play, daily activities, kindergarten, school and community life.

What Can Children's Physiotherapy Help With?

Depending on the child's needs, physiotherapy may support:

The appropriate service depends on the child's individual presentation.

  • gross motor development
  • balance
  • coordination
  • strength
  • mobility
  • walking and movement
  • physical participation
  • confidence with movement
  • functional movement skills
  • recovery or rehabilitation after injury
  • physical needs associated with developmental conditions

When Might a Child See a Physiotherapist?

A family may consider paediatric physiotherapy if a child:

Parents do not need to diagnose the issue before seeking professional advice.

  • has difficulty with age-appropriate movement
  • appears less coordinated than expected
  • struggles with balance
  • has difficulty walking, running, jumping or climbing
  • avoids physical activities
  • has a known physical or developmental condition
  • needs rehabilitation after an injury

What Happens in Paediatric Physiotherapy?

The physiotherapist may discuss the child's history, observe movement and assess relevant physical skills.

Support can include:

Sessions may be clinic-based or, where available, delivered at home, childcare, school or community locations.

  • exercises
  • play-based movement activities
  • mobility strategies
  • home activities
  • environmental adaptations
  • parent coaching
  • collaboration with other professionals

Physiotherapy and Thriving Kids

The Australian Government lists physiotherapy among the examples of targeted allied health support that may be available under Thriving Kids. Australian Government Thriving Kids

Availability and delivery are being staged, so families should check current local information.

For Referrers

A useful referral can describe:

  • movement concerns
  • specific activities affected
  • child's age
  • relevant medical or developmental history
  • environments where difficulties occur
  • strengths
  • family goals

For Physiotherapy Providers

Clearly communicate:

  • age groups
  • conditions or functional areas supported
  • clinic and mobile options
  • service locations
  • home program approach
  • referral process
  • collaboration with families and educators

Finding a Paediatric Physiotherapist

Families can ask a GP, child health professional or other trusted provider for guidance if they are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate.

Paediatric Physiotherapy in the Victorian Thriving Kids Context

The Australian Government identifies physiotherapy among examples of targeted allied health support under Thriving Kids, while Victoria's current information says targeted allied health supports will be rolled out progressively.

The first Victorian sites for the staged allied health rollout are Bendigo, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Loddon, Maribyrnong and Melton, opening from January 2027.

For Victorian providers

Make service locations, age groups, mobility or movement areas supported, clinic/home/community availability and referral requirements easy to find. This is especially valuable in regional and growth areas where families may be searching for local services.

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Disclaimer

TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.

About

Discovery

Providers relevant to physiotherapy

Independent Victorian providers offering services in this category. Availability and response data is shown where measured.

WONDER KIDS OT

Verified information

Occupational Therapy

Speech Pathology • Early Childhood Development Support • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Assistive Technology • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills

Our occupational therapy services are designed to help children develop essential life and developmental skills through personalized and evidence-based therapy. We focus on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention, self-regulation, and daily living abilities while supporting children in becoming more independent and confident through engaging and child-friendly therapy sessions.

Dandenong
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

Family Relationships Institute Inc.

Verified information

Psychology

Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services

Family Relationships Institute Inc., trading as RelateWell, was founded in 1978 and is a not‑for‑profit community organisation delivering essential prevention and early intervention services across key transition points in the family lifecycle. Family and relationship services deliver the strongest outcomes for children by providing early, structured support that strengthens parental wellbeing, reduces conflict, and promotes secure, healthy family relationships. RelateWell’s services target the major stages of relationship formation, extension and separation, with a focus on strengthening relationships, preventing breakdown, and promoting wellbeing through counselling and psychoeducation. Our specialist mental health services provide structured, evidence‑based interventions tailored to the needs and complexities of adults, adolescents and children requiring targeted psychological support. RelateWell is a recognised leader in primary prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery, working closely with key stakeholders to support community wellbeing during significant life events. We are committed to providing accessible, safe and inclusive services to all members of the community. RelateWell is a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, delivering specialised mental health, counselling and therapeutic services to eligible NDIS participants. Our Family and Relationship Services (FaRS) are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) and have been Commonwealth‑funded since our inception in 1978. RelateWell is also a Commonwealth service provider of contracted mental health services. As a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, RelateWell is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services that support participants to improve wellbeing, build capacity and achieve their individual goals.

Coburg
Telehealth available
Ages 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years, 3-5 years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

Canopy Children's Therapy

Verified information

Capacity Building & Everyday Skills

Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support

Registered Play Therapist offering play therapy, counselling and family supports to children and families in Geelong and surrounds. Through my practice, Canopy Children's Therapy in Newtown, I work with children in a warm, welcoming space where they can be themselves and feel understood. My approach is child-centred, neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and strengths-based, and I work closely with parents and carers so the progress carries into home and school life. I support children with big feelings, separation anxiety, school refusal, social challenges, transitions and masking. I have a special interest in supporting highly sensitive girls and children who have experienced medical trauma or fear of medical procedures. Under our canopy, every child can thrive.

Clinic in Newtown
Telehealth available
Ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Short waitlistNDIS services offeredPrivate payment accepted

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

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