Pediatric and Developmental Physiotherapy in Ottawa
Physiotherapy for Infants, Children & Adolescents
Physiotherapy supporting movement, development and function from infancy through adolescence
Children develop movement skills at different rates and may need physiotherapy for a variety of developmental, neurological or musculoskeletal concerns.
At Physiomax Health, our pediatric and developmental physiotherapy services support infants, children and adolescents with individualized assessment and rehabilitation focused on movement, strength, balance, coordination, mobility and functional independence.
When Should You Consider Pediatric Physiotherapy?
- Delayed gross motor milestones
- Difficulty sitting, crawling, standing or walking
- Frequent falls or difficulty keeping up with peers
- Balance or coordination difficulties
- Muscle weakness
- Abnormal or altered walking patterns
- Toe walking
- Difficulty with stairs, running or jumping
- Reduced mobility or physical function
- Muscle tightness or differences in muscle tone
- Challenges related to a neurological or developmental condition
- Pain or musculoskeletal concerns affecting activity
- Difficulty participating in physical activity, school or recreation
Developmental Physiotherapy
Developmental physiotherapy focuses on the movement skills children use as they grow, including head and trunk control, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, balance, coordination and gross motor development.
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify a child’s movement strengths and areas where additional
support may be beneficial.
Treatment is individualized according to the child’s age, abilities, goals and functional needs.
Conditions We Assess and Treat
- Developmental Delay
Physiotherapy can support children who are taking longer to develop gross motor skills such as sitting, crawling, standing or walking. - Cerebral Palsy
Physiotherapy may address mobility, strength, balance, coordination, muscle tone, walking and participation in everyday activities. - Down Syndrome
Physiotherapy can support gross motor development, strength, balance and functional mobility as children grow. - Neuromuscular Conditions
Children with conditions affecting muscle strength and movement may benefit from individualized rehabilitation focused on mobility, function and participation. - Torticollis and Positional Movement Asymmetries
Physiotherapy can assess neck movement, positioning and movement symmetry and provide individualized exercises and positioning strategies where appropriate. - Toe Walking and Gait Concerns
Assessment can examine mobility, strength, balance and movement patterns that may contribute to altered walking. - Orthopaedic and Sports-Related Conditions
Children and adolescents may also require physiotherapy for injuries, pain, post-operative rehabilitation or conditions affecting bones, joints and muscles.
Preserve any additional clinically appropriate diagnoses already on the existing page.
What Does a Paediatric Physiotherapy Assessment Include?
The assessment is adapted to the child’s age, developmental stage and reason for referral. Depending on the child’s needs, the physiotherapist may assess:
- Gross motor development
- Posture and alignment
- Muscle strength
- Muscle tone
- Joint mobility and flexibility
- Balance and coordination
- Walking and running
- Functional mobility
- Movement strategies
- Participation in age-appropriate physical activities
For younger children, assessment can incorporate natural movement and age-appropriate activities while observing how the child moves and interacts with their environment.
How Can Paediatric Physiotherapy Help?
- Gross Motor Development
Activities designed to develop skills such as sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running and jumping. - Strength and Mobility
Individualized exercises to improve strength, flexibility and functional movement. - Balance and Coordination
Progressive activities to develop postural control, balance and movement coordination. - Gait and Functional Mobility
Assessment and rehabilitation of walking, stairs and other mobility skills. - Neurological Rehabilitation
Individualized physiotherapy for children with neurological conditions affecting movement, muscle tone and function. - Home Exercise and Family Guidance
Practical strategies and exercises can be incorporated into the child’s home routine to support progress between appointments.
Why Choose Physiomax Health?
Our approach to paediatric and developmental physiotherapy is individualized and research-driven.
Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, assessment considers how the child moves and functions and identifies the factors that may be affecting mobility, development or participation.
Treatment goals are developed around the needs of the child and family, with a focus on improving meaningful function and supporting participation in everyday life.
Paediatric and Developmental Physiotherapy at Physiomax Health
Paediatric and developmental physiotherapy is available through Physiomax Health in Ottawa.
South Keys
1935 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1V 8A3
Glebe
619 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3T5
Frequently Asked Questions
Paediatric physiotherapy can support children from infancy through adolescence. Assessment and treatment
are adapted to the child’s age, developmental stage and individual needs.
Children develop at different rates. If you have concerns about milestones such as sitting, crawling or
walking, or notice difficulties with balance, coordination, strength or mobility, a physiotherapy assessment can
help evaluate your child’s movement and function.
Yes. A physiotherapist can assess factors that may be affecting standing and walking, including strength,
balance, mobility, alignment and movement strategies, and determine whether physiotherapy may be
beneficial.
Physiotherapy assessment can help identify factors associated with toe walking, including flexibility, strength,
balance and movement patterns. Treatment depends on the assessment findings and underlying cause.
Yes. Physiotherapy is commonly part of rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy and may address
mobility, strength, balance, coordination, muscle tone, walking and functional independence.
A physician’s referral is generally not required to see a physiotherapist in Ontario, although individual
insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement.