Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 - Do Physio4kids actively see patients?
Yes - but please do let us know if you have any symptoms or any of your household are self isolating so that your appointment can be rearranged or transferred to a video-consultation. Physio4kids staff test using a lateral flow test each day and will notify you if they test positive to rearrange your appointment. We encourage masks to be worn during treatment sessions especially by all adults. The clinic equipment and toys are cleaned between each patient.

Do I need a doctor or consultant's referral to see a private physiotherapist?

No you don't - but most health insurance policies do require that you are referred by a doctor or consultant if they are to cover the cost of the treatment. Please contact your insurance company if you are unsure about this. If you are paying your own treatment costs then you can contact the physiotherapist directly. Bear in mind that most do not offer credit and will ask for payment at each treatment session.

Where do you treat children?

I treat children at home, school, and in a clinic room at 3C Wheelchair service in Waterlooville which has over-head hoist facilities.

Can physiotherapy help with poor coordination?

If your child appears to be struggling with coordination, for example he or she can't ride a bicycle by the age of 6 or 7, then this could indicate that he/she has coordination difficulties. Physiotherapy can help reduce these difficulties by improving your child's body awareness and stability.

Physio4kids can offer group Motor Skills Development programmes based on Smart Moves by Sharon Drew.

My child has unexplained pains, can physiotherapy help?

Unexplained pains, particularly in joints, can often be a result of being 'hypermobile' (this is when the joints are more flexible than 'normal' and can cause a wide range of symptoms). Hypermobility is relatively common and in itself not a problem, but some children do suffer from persistent pain and do benefit from specific muscle strengthening and advice from a physiotherapist to relieve/help them manage their symptoms.

Can physiotherapy help with poor/bad posture?

Poor posture is often an indication that there is muscle imbalance resulting in an unsupported spine. Physiotherapy can help improve the muscle imbalance that might be a result of carrying heavy school bags or sitting in front of the computer or television for long periods.

Recently the government has worked hard to try to get the general population, and children in particular, to be more more active. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists are supporting this drive and have published a leaflet designed for children which you might find useful

What is Osgood Schlatters Disease, and can physiotherapy help?

Osgood Schlatters is an inflammation of area where the front thigh muscles join to the lower leg, which results in swelling and heat in the affected area of the leg and pain on activity. If diagnosis of this condition is recent, then seeing a physiotherapist quickly can help manage the exercise levels which should help prevent the condition from getting worse. Generally the only long term solution is rest but core stability exercises can help reduce the strain on the knee and thus reduce the amount of inflammation (and therefore pain) that occurs. The main thing to remember is not to do anything which aggravates the knee pain.

Are there any physiotherapy back care classes for children?

I have worked with siblings together and am willing to run regular classes with 3 or 4 children in or near Havant. If you would like to explore this idea further please email me.

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