PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Helping Kids Move, Play & Grow
with Confidence
What is Pediatric Physiotherapy?
Kids are constantly growing, learning and moving. Sometimes, an injury, pain, developmental concern or change in movement can make it harder for them to keep up with the activities they enjoy. Pediatric physiotherapy is designed to support the movement, strength, mobility and physical development of infants, children and adolescents.
At Wintergreen, we take a personalized and encouraging approach to kids physiotherapy. Whether your child is recovering from an injury, experiencing pain, working toward a developmental milestone or having difficulty with certain movements, we will work with you and your child to understand their needs and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
When Should a Child See a Physiotherapist?
Every child develops differently, and there are many reasons a parent may choose to speak with a physiotherapist.
Pediatric physiotherapy may be helpful for children experiencing:
Sports or activity-related injuries
Growing-related muscle or joint aches
Difficulty with balance or coordination
Delayed or challenging gross motor milestones
Recovery following a fracture, injury or surgery
Difficulty returning to sports or physical activities
Repetitive strain or overuse injuries
Sometimes, parents simply notice that their child moves differently or is having difficulty with an activity compared with what they would normally expect. A physiotherapy assessment can help identify what may be contributing and whether treatment could be beneficial.
The early years involve a tremendous amount of physical development. Babies and young children are learning how to control their bodies as they develop skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running and jumping.
If you are concerned about how your child is moving or progressing with gross motor skills, a physiotherapist can assess their movement, strength and mobility and provide guidance based on their individual development. Physiotherapy may also be recommended for concerns such as torticollis, where a baby has tightness or a preference for positioning their head toward one side.
Your physiotherapist can provide exercises, positioning strategies and activities that can be incorporated into your child's everyday routine.
Physiotherapy for Babies & Young Children
From soccer and hockey to dance, gymnastics and simply playing outside, kids can put a lot of demands on growing bodies. Injuries can happen, and returning to activity too quickly may sometimes lead to ongoing discomfort or difficulty performing at the same level.
Pediatric physiotherapy can help children and teens recover from sports and activity-related injuries by gradually rebuilding strength, mobility and confidence. Treatment may also include guidance around returning to sport and strategies for reducing the risk of the same injury happening again.
The goal is not just to help your child feel better; it's to help them get back to participating in the activities they love.
Physiotherapy for Active Kids & Young Athletes
Children's bodies can change quickly, particularly during periods of rapid growth. As bones, muscles and joints adapt, some children may experience aches, tightness or discomfort during everyday activities and sports.
Not every ache requires treatment, but persistent pain, pain that affects activity, or recurring discomfort is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
A physiotherapist can assess your child's movement, strength, flexibility and activity demands to help determine what may be contributing to their symptoms and recommend an appropriate plan.
Physiotherapy for Growing Bodies, Aches & Pains
Supporting Parents
Along the Way
Parents and caregivers are an important part of paediatric physiotherapy. We will explain what we're seeing, answer your questions, and provide practical recommendations that can be incorporated into your child's everyday routine.
For younger children in particular, exercises may look more like play than traditional physiotherapy. Making movement engaging and achievable can help children participate more comfortably and build positive associations with being active.
Our goal is for both you and your child to feel informed, supported and confident throughout the process.
In Need of Pediatric Physiotherapy?
Visit our Wintergreen Physiotherapy clinic in Oakville and let us help you find relief.
Pediatric Physiotherapy FAQs
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Physiotherapy can support children at many different ages, from infancy through adolescence. The assessment and treatment approach will depend on your child's age, stage of development and reason for attending physiotherapy.
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Consider speaking with a physiotherapist if your child is experiencing ongoing pain, recovering from an injury, having difficulty with certain movements or physical activities, or if you have concerns about their mobility, strength, balance or gross motor development.
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A physiotherapist can assess your child's balance, strength, coordination and movement patterns. If an area of difficulty is identified, age-appropriate exercises and activities can be used to work on those skills.
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Yes, Physiotherapists can assess gross motor development and movement skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking. If there are concerns, your physiotherapist can provide exercises, activities and strategies based on your child's individual needs.
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Comfortable clothing that allows your child to move freely is usually best. If your child's appointment relates to a particular sport or activity, your physiotherapist may also recommend bringing relevant footwear or equipment.
