Infant Physiotherapy

Your GP or Child Health Nurse may refer your baby to a Paediatric Physiotherapist if you have any concerns about their physical and motor development. 

Early Years Physiotherapists are experts in understanding how babies learn, move and play. Our Physiotherapists are highly qualified to assess, identify and provide intervention for many different motor difficulties and developmental concerns. During an infant assessment, a thorough screening of development, reflexes and motor function is performed to provide the most accurate intervention and home programs. 

Conditions we work with:

Developmental Delays

All babies develop at their own pace, however, some infants may benefit from extra support in achieving their motor milestones such as rolling, sitting and crawling. Through play-based intervention, your baby will learn how to explore and learn new skills for movement. 

Head Shape Management

The skull of a newborn baby is very soft and flexible, and easily misshapen with external pressures such as the way a baby sleeps, plays and rests. Head shape can also be affected by birthing processes or by a tight neck (Torticollis), which will cause a baby to prefer to look and lay a certain way. Flattening can occur on one side of the head (plagiocephaly) or the back of the head (brachycephaly) and is best addressed while the infant is young and the skull is soft. Treatment may include positioning, and activities to address head preferences and motor development. 

Torticollis

Torticollis is a muscular condition that becomes apparent at or shortly after birth. It occurs when an infant’s neck muscles called the sternocleidomastoid to become tight on one side causing the head to tilt and rotate a certain way. Torticollis is correctable with physiotherapy intervention to support the positioning of the head and neck and passive and active muscle exercises. Our Physiotherapists are also trained in Kinesio taping for torticollis, which supports activation and awareness of the muscles.

Other Infant Conditions

  • Low Muscle tone

  • Brachial Plexus Injuries

  • Difficulties with tolerating tummy time 

  • Difficulties with head control

  • Developmental concerns associated with positional talipes and DDH (Developmental Dysplasia of Hip)