Children's Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Children’s Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy addresses problems relating to bones, joints, muscles and ligaments following injury or operation; as well as issues related to growth and development in children and young adults.

Our aim is to support the return to normal function and sporting activities.


Physical activity guidelines for children

Children between the ages of 5 and 18 years should be doing regular physical activity in order to maintain their health. If your child is not physically active this may be the cause of the issues they are experiencing. Children aged 5 to 18 should:

  • Aim to do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
  • Take part in a variety of different physical activities across the week.
  • Limit prolonged periods of sitting or lying down during the day.


'Moderate physical activity' would be anything that raises a child's heart rate, causes them to breathe faster, and makes them feel warmer. Further information is available by clicking the links below.

 

Common conditions we see as part of our service


'Osgood Schlatter 

Osgood Schlatter is a term used to describe pain, in an area just below the knee on the lower leg. It is a common cause of anterior knee pain in late childhood and early adolescence and can affect one or both knees and can cause a swelling in the region of the tibial tuberosity. Osgood schlatters can also be called a ‘traction apophysitis’. It affects 1 in 10 young people and is often related to growing and being active. 

For further information, please access the Association of Paediatric Charted Physiotherapists website for information about Osgood Schlatter (opens in new window) >


Flat feet

Flat feet are a common condition where the arch of the foot appears to be not there or is reduced when standing. In children, the arch may appear when they sit down, bend their big toe backward or stand on their tiptoes. This indicates a ‘flexible’ flat foot.


In-toeing

Some children and adults walk with their toes pointing inward, and parents/carers often report their child to be "clumsy" and falling over frequently.

There are a few reasons that contribute to in-toeing:

  • femoral anteversion
  • internal tibial torsion
  • metatarsus adductus

Often with natural growth and development, walking pattern and in-toeing will improve. Some children may continue to in-toe past ten years old. Treatment is not normally needed if there is no pain or associated difficulties. Occasionally, muscle weakness can lead to pain and functional issues, and physiotherapy can be beneficial in such cases.


Sever's Disease

Severs is a common condition which causes heel pain, which is often seen in children. It is especially common in children who participate in frequent high impact physical activity and can get worse during periods of growth.


Tip-toe walking

Tip-toe walking is a common parental concern seen by children’s physiotherapists. Usually there is no underlying problem with the structure of the legs and feet, and it is simply a habit that the child has picked up. Tip-toe walking can lead to children experiencing pain in the calf muscles, particularly on increased activity or walking up hill.


Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is an important part of a child’s diet, because it supports the absorption of calcium which is needed for their bones to grow and to stay strong. If a child has low vitamin D intake, it can lead to softer, weakened bones, that can be painful and increase the risk of an injury.

If your child is struggling with weakness, tiredness, frequent falls, fractures and bowing of the legs (legs curved outwards), it may be because they are deficient in vitamin D.


Knee ligament reconstruction

There are different types of knee ligament reconstruction protocols, and each has a specifically designed post-operative process that has been put together by our orthopaedic surgeons and specialist physiotherapists. You will be supported by the Physiotherapy team in following these procedures after your operation.


Positional talipes

Positional talipes is a common in newborn babies, where their foot turns inwards and downwards. This may affect one or both feet. The foot remains flexible and can be moved gently through a full range of normal movement.


Ankle sprain

An ankle sprain is an injury that can cause the soft tissues that surround the ankle joint to overstretch.

For further information about ankle sprain, please access the ankle sprain page >