Children’s Physiotherapy
What is Children’s Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists are experts in how bodies move and develop. Children’s physiotherapy is the diagnosis, treatment and management of children and young people, focusing on physical function, ability and wellbeing. Physiotherapists treat babies, children and young people from birth to 18 years or school leaving age (some young people may be seen by adult services as appropriate), using a range of specialist skills and techniques to educate, support, exercise and guide recovery from injury or disease.
Physios work together with children, young people, their families and others involved in their care. They support children and young people to reach their physical potential.
For more information
Who are we?
The Physiotherapy Team is made up of Physiotherapists and a Physiotherapy Support Worker. We are based at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick, and cover the whole of Shetland.
What do we do?
We will listen to what matters to you and your child/young person. We will discuss any concerns and work together to work out if and how Physiotherapy can help. We will work together with others to support your child/young person's health and wellbeing. We aim to work in the most appropriate environment for you and your child/young person. This could include:
- The Children’s Out Patient Unit at the Gilbert Bain Hospital
- Your home
- Nurseries and schools
- Local leisure centres
Physiotherapists can help with a wide range of conditions, motor development and acute illness and injury.
Our professional organisation produces a number of leaflets which may help reassure you about your child’s development, and help you decide if you need to see a physiotherapist. They can be found here:
Information for parents | Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (csp.org.uk)
How can my child/young person be referred to Physiotherapy?
We are happy to accept referrals from parents, Health Visitors, Nursery & School teachers. Your child may also be referred by your GP, hospital doctor or another Health professional.
This is the referral form: Referral form for Children & Young People
What will happen at my child/young person’s physio appointment?
We will listen to you & your child/young person and ask questions. Depending on their age we may encourage & watch play, and ask them to do some activities. We may ask your child/young person to remove some clothes, or wear shorts (eg if they have a sore knee).
We will agree a plan with you & your child/young person, and may give you some exercises or activities to try at home.
We may ask your consent to share information with other professionals (eg to refer on to a Podiatrist).
How Do We Contact the Children’s Physiotherapists?
If your child has already been referred to the service and you wish to contact the physiotherapy department directly, please email us on shet.childrensphysio@nhs.scot or leave a message on 01595 743323.