Pediatric Physiotherapy – what it looks like and what problems it solves

Is your child developing the way they should? Every parent asks themselves this question at least once. It usually starts innocently: your little one walks on tiptoes, gets tired faster than their peers, slouches at the desk, or can’t keep their balance on a bike. And then that thought pops up: “Maybe it’s nothing… or maybe it’s something more serious?”

The good news is that most of these problems can be addressed. The key is simple – don’t wait, take action. And this is where pediatric physiotherapy comes in. In this article, we’ll show you when it’s worth visiting a pediatric physiotherapy clinic, what therapy looks like, what areas it covers, and how it can truly help the youngest patients.

Pediatric physiotherapy is not just about “comprehensive rehabilitation after injuries.” It’s an entire field focused on supporting a child’s development at every stage of life – from infant rehabilitation, through all phases of motor development, up to adolescence.

You could say that a pediatric physiotherapist is part coach, part therapist, and part guide for parents. They help correct posture problems, choose the right rehabilitation methods, teach proper movement patterns, support children with genetic or neurological conditions, and at the same time provide parents with tools to support their child’s psychomotor development every day.

Parents often hear: “Don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it.” And sometimes that’s true. But just as often – it isn’t. In such cases, a quick diagnosis and a fully individualized approach are very important.

Here are situations when it’s definitely worth consulting your child at a professional rehabilitation center:

• Delays in motor development – the child sits, crawls, or walks later than expected.
• Posture problems – scoliosis, flat feet, other foot deformities, slouching, knock knees or bow legs.
• Coordination issues – difficulties with riding a bike, swimming, or catching a ball.
• Muscle tone disorders – the child is either “too floppy” or “too stiff.”
• Frequent falls and tripping – a sign that something may be wrong with balance.
• Muscle and joint pain – yes, even young children can experience these.
• Neurological problems – autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy.
• Genetic conditions – e.g., Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy.
• Injuries and recovery – fractures, sprains, post-surgical rehabilitation.

Pediatric physiotherapy can also apply to the youngest patients – sometimes there is even a need to work with newborns or infants. If a baby has, for example, torticollis (a twisted neck), abnormal muscle tone, feeding difficulties, or postural asymmetry, it’s worth seeing a specialist. Early intervention often prevents more serious problems later on.

Parents often imagine a room full of machines and a child put through some kind of “military training.” The reality is very different.

The first visit to a pediatric physiotherapy clinic is mainly about conversation and observation.

• The physiotherapist asks about the child’s development, how pregnancy and birth went, and how the child manages in everyday situations.
• They examine posture, check muscle tone, balance, and range of motion.
• They observe the child in natural activities – how they get up, sit down, or play.

For the child, the visit often feels like… playtime. Exercises with balls, walking through obstacle courses, jumping, crawling – all of these are part of the therapy. And most importantly: the child leaves with a smile, not in tears.

There is no single “fixed plan” – every child is different. Pediatric therapy can take many directions, but there are a few methods most commonly used. Children’s rehabilitation usually includes:

• Manual therapy – gentle techniques that relax muscles and improve joint mobility.
• Movement exercises – age-appropriate activities, most often in the form of play, designed to support motor development.
• Posture correction – special exercises for scoliosis, flat feet, or slouching.
• Neurological exercises – e.g., the Vojta method, NDT-Bobath method, or even the Prechtl approach, which support children with neurological problems and help shape proper movement patterns.
• Sensory integration therapy – when a child struggles with balance or coordination.

The key is that every therapy plan is tailor-made – no two children are the same, and neither are their therapy programs.

A child who starts physiotherapy won’t always “catch up” in just a week. But the effects often become visible very quickly.

The most common benefits include:

• Improved posture and elimination of slouching,
• Greater confidence in movement and better coordination,
• Easier learning of new activities (cycling, swimming, sports games),
• Reduced pain and discomfort,
• Faster recovery after injuries and surgeries,
• Better functioning at school and within peer groups.

In short: often a significant improvement in quality of life. Parents frequently say: “After just a few weeks, I saw that my child finally felt confident on the playground”. And that’s the best recommendation of all.

This is a very important point. Pediatric therapy is not just an hour spent in the clinic once a week. Success largely depends on what happens at home.

The physiotherapist shows parents simple exercises that can be done in everyday situations:

• Playing tug-of-war together,
• Walking along a line drawn with chalk on the sidewalk,
• Hopping on one leg,
• Ball games.

These are not “boring homework tasks” – they are usually fun ways to spend time with your child while also strengthening their healthy development.

There are many places in Poznań where you can find a physiotherapist. So why do parents choose us?

• Experience – we have been working with children for years.
• Individual approach – every child has their own story, and therefore their own personalized therapy.
• Friendly atmosphere – children feel safe here and are happy to come back.
• Parent education – we show parents how to support their child also outside the clinic.
• Teamwork with specialists – speech therapists, osteopaths, and physiotherapists working together for the best results.

1. From what age can pediatric physiotherapy begin?

From the very first days of life. If a newborn has problems with muscle tone, postural asymmetry, or feeding – a physiotherapist can help.

2. How long does one pediatric physiotherapy session last?

Usually between 30 and 60 minutes – depending on the child’s age and the type of problem.

3. How often should a child attend physiotherapy?

Most often 1–2 times per week, but the frequency is always determined by the specialist after assessing the child.

4. Do parents need to do exercises at home?

Yes, this is key to success. Physiotherapy works best when the child practices not only in the clinic but also every day at home.

5. Is pediatric therapy painful?

No. Pediatric therapy is always adapted to the child’s age and conducted in the form of play, which is why young patients are happy to return for more sessions.

Pediatric physiotherapy is a huge support for families who want to help their child reach their full potential. If you notice issues with your little one’s posture, coordination, or motor development – don’t wait. The sooner we start, the better the results can be.

If you are looking for trusted pediatric physiotherapy in Poznań – we invite you to Neuroklinikmed. Here, your child will not only exercise but also have fun, and you will gain peace of mind knowing you’re doing what’s best for them.

Don’t wait – get in touch with us today

Source: own elaboration, images: pixabay.com.