Toddlers
Your little one has graduated from infancy and entered the exciting toddler stage - full of exploration, movement, and rapid development. As they master new skills like walking, climbing, and running, some challenges may arise along the way. While most bumps in development resolve naturally, there are times when physiotherapy can provide extra support to ensure your child is thriving.
Here are a few reasons you might consider seeing a paediatric physiotherapist for your toddler:
Toe walking
Some toddlers habitually walk on their toes instead of placing their feet flat on the ground. While occasional toe walking can be a normal part of development, persistent toe walking may be linked to tight muscles or neurological factors. Physiotherapy can guide gentle stretching, strengthening, and movement strategies to encourage a more typical walking pattern.
Balance and coordination challenges
If your child frequently trips, struggles with activities like jumping, or has difficulty with movements requiring coordination, physiotherapy can enhance their body awareness and motor planning. Fun, play-based exercises help toddlers refine their skills while building confidence in their movements.
Muscle tone variations
Conditions like hypotonia (low muscle tone) or hypertonia (high muscle tone) can affect a child’s strength, posture, and ability to move efficiently. Through tailored exercises and positioning strategies, physiotherapy supports muscle function and promotes better movement quality.
Orthopaedic concerns
Some toddlers develop conditions like flat feet, knock knees, or bow legs, which may need monitoring or intervention. We can assess whether these variations are part of normal growth or whether strengthening and corrective strategies could be beneficial.
Recovering from injuries
Toddlers love to explore, and sometimes accidents happen. Whether your child has experienced a fracture, muscle strain, or another injury, physiotherapy can assist with recovery, ensuring they regain strength and mobility safely.