Paediatric physiotherapy for babies to adolescents

Paediatric physiotherapy can provide early intervention for children who have difficulty reaching physical and movement related developmental milestones.

About

Calm & Connection Physiotherapy is driven toward helping children live fun and fulfilling lives. We work within a multidisciplinary team with a focus on helping you achieve your child’s and families’ goals. Our paediatric physiotherapy programs will work with you to find fun ways to support your child’s physical development.

 

We value family-centred practice because we understand that a child develops within the context of their family and community. We work alongside families to create fun and practical treatment plans that are easy to build into your everyday routines and wherever possible, incorporate the child’s own toys and equipment. If your child needs specialist equipment to help them get around, join in, or to be more independent, we can help assess your child’s needs and find the supports that suit your child and family life.

 

Nicola Hribar is experienced in working with children of all ages with a wide range of conditions including genetic syndromes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, postural and gait concerns. She is currently completing her post-graduate certificate in paediatric physiotherapy. Our physiotherapists are members of the Australia Physiotherapy Association Paediatric National Group, Australian Physiotherapy Association Women’s Men’s & Pelvic Health National Group and the International Children’s Continence Society. Read more about our team.

Booking

Book your appointment online now. If you have any questions please call 0497 098 881 or hello@calmphysiotherapy.com.au.

Pricing

  • Initial paediatric physiotherapy consultation: $100
  • Standard paediatric physiotherapy consultation: $89
 

What can paediatric physiotherapy help with?

Paediatric physiotherapy can help babies, toddlers, children and teenagers with their gross motor, physical and movement skills. You might choose to visit a physiotherapist if you are concerned about your child’s physical development or if you’re concerned your child is experiencing difficulty achieving motor milestones expected for their age.

Other reasons might include if your child has:

  • Stiff or floppy muscles
  • Difficulty sitting or moving
  • Difficulty learning new skills
  • Clicking hips (hip dysplasia)
  • Difficulty balancing and frequent falls
  • A difference between their right and left side
  • Pain in their muscles or joints
  • In-toeing or out-toeing feet
  • Toe walking habits

Why paediatric physiotherapy?

The early childhood years lay the foundation for all future development. Recent scientific evidence shows that what happens to us in the early years has a major effect on our health and social development into our adult years. Therefore, we must ensure that our children’s early experiences are positive.

A key role of physiotherapists is to support families in providing children with experiences and opportunities that help develop their skills. There is strong evidence that specific physiotherapy interventions for children with specific needs such as cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder, lead to improvement in childhood development.

It empowered me.

I now know how very fortunate I was to be able to participate in both group and individual sessions of mindfulness core stability classes. It empowered me as I was given essential tools to help continue with my own sessions at home.

- Michaela

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I love Pilates.

I love my core stability class. I always leave my classes knowing exactly how to complete the moves, what I should feel when I am doing them and which area they are strengthening or stretching. Even better, I get fit and have a fun time while doing so.

- Claire

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I was very fortunate to be able to do Pilates classes with Julia.

I now know how very fortunate I was to be able to participate in both group and individual sessions of mindfulness core stability classes with Julia. It empowered me as I was given essential tools to help continue with my own sessions at home.

- Michaela

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I cannot recommend Julia highly enough.

I love Pilates with Julia. She is such a knowledgeable practitioner who uses her extensive physiotherapy skills to create Pilates classes that target and improve key areas. I always leave Julia’s classes knowing exactly how to complete the moves, what I should feel when I am doing them and which area they are strengthening or stretching. Even better, I get fit and have a fun time while doing so.

- Claire

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I recommend it for all women after child birth.

I thought my body had recovered from child birth and that everything was fine. I returned to exercise including jogging. A few people questioned me about whether it as too soon post birth. I started to worry that I could cause myself damage in the long run so had an assessment with Julia to put my mind at ease. The assessment was thorough and professional. I recommend it for all women after child birth.

- Jocelyn

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FAQs

What should we expect from our first session and what should we bring?
During our initial 60min consultation your physiotherapist will ask you about your current concerns and about your child’s recent and past medical history. Your physiotherapist will then assess your child to help determine the best treatment plan. If your child requires specialised equipment, please bring this along with you to your appointment.
Do I need a referral to see a paediatric physiotherapist?
No. Physiotherapists in Australia are primary care practitioners, meaning you do not need a referral. You simply ring up to book a consultation, or book online. Many people choose to get a referral from their specialist or general practitioner to assist their physiotherapist in understanding their condition and medical history.
Do you accept NDIS payment?
We welcome self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Unfortunately, we are not an NDIS registered provider which means we are unable to process payments for NDIS managed participants.
How does NDIS work?

The NDIS is Australia’s first national scheme for people with disability. Learn about your child’s eligibility and how to apply for the NDIS at https://www.ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.

Can I claim treatments or classes from my private health fund?
If you have extras cover, you can generally claim a rebate for your individual physiotherapy consultation from your health fund by either submitting your receipt directly to your fund, or swiping your health fund card in our HICAPS machine at the clinic. The amount of rebate will depend on the health fund and your level of cover. Some levels of cover will provide a rebate for the exercise classes and this can be claimed directly from the health fund.
Are we eligible for Medicare claims?
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of up to 5 sessions per calendar year if your child has a chronic condition. Your GP is able to prescribe you a Chronic Disease Management Plan (previously called the EPC plan) if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Do you offer TeleHealth appointments?
Yes, we offer TeleHealth as an option for families who do not have access to paediatric physiotherapy in their area. TeleHealth can also be used in combination with face-to-face appointments for goal setting, coaching/education, and follow-up support. Fees are charged at the standard NDIS rate.
Will appointments be at the clinic or can I organise a home or school visit instead?
We offer clinic-based appointments as well as community visits. We believe in building the families capacity to support their child’s needs within their own context, which is why we offer home visits, including community visits at your local park, swimming pool, preschool or school. The cost of travel will be calculated as the time taken to drive from the clinic to the agreed location and back at the same hourly rate as the therapy session.

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