Children's Conditions
Relief from paediatric / children's conditions in Papworth Everard, Cambridgeshire:
Physiotherapy for children is different from adult care because children are constantly growing and developing. Their bones, muscles, and joints respond differently to treatment, meaning they require a specialised approach tailored to their stage of development.
Certain conditions seen in children, particularly those linked to growth and development, do not occur in adults. This is why it’s essential for your child to be treated by a physiotherapist with expert knowledge of paediatric anatomy, development, and age-specific conditions, ensuring safe, effective, and appropriate care at every stage.
Paediatric physiotherapy supports movement, independence, and development in children from birth through to adolescence. It is designed to help children reach their full physical potential by addressing a wide range of conditions, including developmental delays, neurological disorders, and sports-related injuries.
Below are just some of the paediatric / children's conditions our expert team treats. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you move confidently from pain to peak performance.
Please note: appointments for children are only available with Himanshu Sood (all ages) and Sarah Massey (from 10 years old).
Developmental Delays / Delayed Milestones
Child developmental delays refer to a slower-than-expected progression in key motor milestones, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking. These delays can vary in severity and may affect a child’s ability to move, learn, and interact with the world around them. Early identification and intervention are essential. With the right support, many children can catch up and reach their full potential. Collaboration between parents, educators, and healthcare professionals plays a vital role in supporting each child’s development. Physiotherapy uses tailored, play-based activities to build strength, balance, and coordination in a fun and engaging way. We also empower caregivers with practical home strategies, helping to support progress and promote long-term independence.
Developmental Co-Ordination Disorder (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurological condition that affects physical coordination and movement. Individuals with dyspraxia may find tasks requiring balance, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness particularly challenging, which can impact daily activities such as dressing, writing, or participating in sports. Physiotherapy plays a key role in supporting individuals with dyspraxia. Through targeted, structured programmes, we focus on improving motor planning, coordination, balance, and posture. By building these fundamental skills, physiotherapy helps individuals gain confidence in movement, enhance independence, and participate more fully in everyday activities and physical play.
Hypermobility / Hypotonia
Hypermobility in children refers to an increased range of movement in the joints, allowing them to bend and stretch beyond typical limits. Hypotonia, or low muscle tone, can make muscles feel less firm and reduce overall stability. While many children experience these as normal variations, some may develop symptoms such as joint discomfort, fatigue, or delays in motor development. Early understanding and appropriate support are important to ensure healthy movement and prevent longer-term issues. Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening postural muscles, improving joint stability, and enhancing body awareness. Through targeted, play-based activities that build key motor skills, we help children achieve developmental milestones safely, reduce discomfort, and gain confidence in their movement.
Gait Abnormalities
Gait abnormalities in children refer to variations or irregularities in the way a child walks or runs. These may present as limping, toe walking, or a waddling pattern, and can arise from developmental, neurological, or orthopaedic factors. If left unaddressed, they may affect mobility and lead to longer-term issues with posture and joint health. Early identification and intervention are key to achieving the best outcomes. Physiotherapy plays an important role in treatment, using targeted exercises, balance training, and play-based activities to improve walking patterns, strength, and coordination. By addressing muscle imbalances and correcting movement habits, we help support more efficient, confident movement and reduce the risk of future complications.
Sever's Disease
Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is a common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents, particularly those involved in running and jumping sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated and inflamed, typically affecting children aged 8 to 14 during periods of rapid growth. Symptoms often include heel pain during or after activity, limping, and tenderness at the back of the heel. Physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery, focusing on relieving pressure on the growth plate, improving flexibility in tight calf muscles, and correcting movement patterns. With a tailored programme, children can reduce pain, stay active, and return to sport safely and confidently.
Osgood Schlatter's Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common overuse injury that causes pain and swelling just below the kneecap, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shin bone. It typically affects active adolescents aged 10–15, especially during growth spurts, when repeated stress on the growth plate leads to inflammation and the development of a noticeable bony bump. Common symptoms include: - Pain and swelling just below the kneecap. - Tenderness over the tibial tuberosity (the bony prominence at the top of the shin). - Discomfort that worsens with activities such as running, jumping, or kneeling. Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing this condition, focusing on reducing strain through activity modification, improving flexibility with targeted stretching, and strengthening the surrounding muscles. With a structured, personalised programme, pain can be effectively managed and a gradual, safe return to sport can be achieved without overloading the healing area.
Fractures and Surgical Rehabilitation
A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone, commonly occurring in children due to falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The wrist, forearm, and elbow are the most frequently affected areas. Because children’s bones are still growing and more flexible, they often heal faster than adults, but require specialised care to ensure proper development and alignment. In some cases, children may require paediatric surgery, a specialised field designed to treat conditions in a developing body. These procedures are carefully adapted to suit growing bones, tissues, and overall development, ensuring the best possible long-term outcomes. Physiotherapy is essential in helping children recover from fractures or surgery. Through tailored, play-based rehabilitation, we focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement. Treatment supports joint mobility, corrects walking patterns (gait), and helps children safely return to everyday activities, reducing the risk of long-term limitations and promoting healthy development.
Growing Pains
Growing pains are a common experience in children, usually affecting the legs and often occurring at night. They are most frequently seen in children aged 3 to 12 and are not linked to any serious underlying medical condition. While the exact cause is unclear, they are often associated with periods of rapid growth and increased activity. Symptoms typically include aching or throbbing pain in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees, which may come and go but can disturb sleep. Physiotherapy can be helpful in managing symptoms, using targeted assessment, personalised stretching programmes, and strengthening exercises to reduce discomfort. It can also address contributing factors such as muscle imbalances or poor foot mechanics, helping children stay active, comfortable, and confident during growth phases.
Sports Injuries
Children are not just small adults, their developing bones, muscles, and growth plates make them more vulnerable to specific types of sports injuries. Common injuries include sprains and strains, growth plate-related conditions such as Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter disease, fractures, and concussions. Physiotherapy focuses on safe, age-appropriate rehabilitation. Treatment prioritises protecting growing structures, correcting muscle imbalances, and preventing long-term complications. Through tailored exercises, hands-on therapy, and movement education, we help restore mobility, strength, and coordination, supporting a safe return to sport and ongoing healthy development.
Sprained ankle / knee ligaments
A paediatric ankle or knee sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the joint are stretched or torn, usually as a result of a sudden twist, fall, or awkward movement during physical activity. These are common injuries in children and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Physiotherapy is key to a full and safe recovery, focusing on reducing pain, restoring movement, and rebuilding strength and stability. Rehabilitation typically progresses through three stages: - Early protection: Managing pain and swelling while protecting the injured joint. - Targeted strengthening: Gradually restoring strength, control, and stability. - Return to play: Safely progressing back to sport and activity with improved confidence and reduced risk of re-injury. With the right approach, children can recover well and return to their usual activities safely and confidently.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological conditions that permanently affect movement, muscle coordination, and posture. It results from abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. The impact can vary widely, from mild movement difficulties to more complex physical challenges. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in supporting children with CP, aiming to maximise independence, improve motor skills, and prevent muscle tightness and contractures. Treatment is always tailored to the individual and may include stretching, strengthening exercises, and mobility training. By integrating therapy into play and daily routines, we help children build confidence, improve function, and achieve their full potential.
Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia patella, often referred to as “runner’s knee,” occurs when the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap becomes softened or damaged. This leads to increased friction and irritation as the kneecap moves against the thigh bone, resulting in pain at the front of the knee. Symptoms typically include discomfort during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for prolonged periods with the knees bent. Physiotherapy is key to effective management, focusing on reducing inflammation, improving kneecap (patellar) alignment, and addressing muscle imbalances. Treatment includes gentle, pain-free strengthening exercises, targeted stretching, activity modification, and, where appropriate, taping techniques to support the joint and improve movement.
Neuromuscular Conditions
Paediatric neuromuscular disorders are a group of genetic and acquired conditions that affect the connection between the nervous system and muscles. This disruption can lead to muscle weakness, reduced muscle tone (hypotonia), and delays in motor development. Common conditions include: - Muscular Dystrophy: Progressive genetic disorders that cause muscle weakness and degeneration, often emerging in early childhood. - Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A genetic condition affecting motor nerve cells, leading to muscle wasting and difficulties with movement, breathing, or swallowing. - Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease: A hereditary condition affecting peripheral nerves, causing lower limb weakness, foot drop, and balance difficulties. - Congenital Myopathies: Muscle conditions present from birth, leading to generalised weakness and delayed motor milestones. - Myasthenia Gravis: A condition affecting nerve-to-muscle communication, resulting in muscle fatigue that worsens with activity. Physiotherapy is essential in managing these conditions, with highly individualised care focused on maximising function and independence. Treatment includes gentle, low-impact exercises, stretching, respiratory support, and, where needed, assistive devices, helping to maintain mobility, prevent complications, and support each child’s development and quality of life.
Orthopaedic Conditions
Paediatric orthopaedic conditions range from normal developmental variations that often resolve naturally to more complex issues requiring early intervention. Understanding these conditions early can help ensure the best outcomes for growth, movement, and long-term function. Common conditions include: - Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): A shallow hip socket leading to joint instability. Early treatment, often with a harness or cast, is essential to support normal development. - Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus): A condition present at birth where the foot is turned inward and downward. Treatment typically involves gentle correction, casting, and sometimes minor surgery. - Metatarsus Adductus: Inward turning of the front half of the foot, often improving naturally as the child grows. - Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Common in early childhood; while arches often develop over time, some children may require monitoring or support. - Bowlegs (Genu Varum): Outward curvature of the legs, common in toddlers and usually resolving by around age 2. - In-toeing & Out-toeing: Variations in foot positioning during walking, often correcting naturally as the child develops. - Knock-knees (Genu Valgum): Knees angle inward, typically seen between ages 3 and 6, and usually self-corrects over time. - Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): A condition affecting adolescents where the top of the thigh bone slips, often requiring surgical management. - Perthes’ Disease: Temporary loss of blood supply to the hip, leading to changes in bone shape, most commonly in children aged 4 to 10. Physiotherapy plays a key role across many of these conditions, helping to manage pain, support movement, improve strength and coordination, and guide children safely back to everyday activities while supporting healthy growth and development.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis in children is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often forming an “S” or “C” shape. It commonly develops during growth spurts, particularly between the ages of 10 and 15. While mild cases may not cause significant issues, more pronounced curves can lead to discomfort, postural changes, and potential long-term complications if left unmanaged. Physiotherapy is a key part of conservative management. Using specialised, scoliosis-specific exercises, treatment focuses on improving spinal stability, correcting posture, and helping to slow or prevent curve progression. Physiotherapy is often used alongside regular monitoring and, in some cases, bracing, aiming to optimise spinal alignment, reduce symptoms, and minimise the need for surgical intervention.
Back Pain
Back pain in children and adolescents, while less common than in adults, can still have a significant impact on daily activities, school, and sports. It may arise from factors such as poor posture, rapid growth, sports injuries, or, in some cases, underlying conditions. Early assessment is important to identify the root cause and prevent ongoing issues. Physiotherapy provides a personalised, child-centred approach, starting with a thorough assessment and followed by targeted exercises, stretching, and postural education. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving flexibility, strengthening core muscles, and restoring safe, confident movement so children can return to their normal activities and stay active.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy for paediatric / children's conditions focuses on relieving pain and restoring function through a combination of hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation. This may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, taping, and tailored exercise programmes or Clinical Pilates.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual child, using engaging, play-based activities that fit naturally into their daily routines at home, school, or in sport. By making therapy interactive and child-focused, we help build strength, coordination, and confidence—supporting long-term development and independence in a positive and enjoyable way.