Paediatric physiotherapy helps children build the strength, coordination and mobility they need to move, play and keep up with everyday activities. This guide explains what to expect, how NDIS funding works, and how to choose a Ballarat provider. It also features several local clinics and NDIS providers listed on our directory.
Registered NDIS provider offering early intervention for children aged 0-6, including physiotherapy and speech therapy under experienced speech pathologists, plus broader disability support services. Based in Ballarat Central and Mickleham, VIC.
Action Rehab Ballarat offers hand therapy via Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists for shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions, including paediatric fractures. No referral needed. No mention of NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist.
Speech pathology clinic in Wallan, VIC. Waitlist for regular sessions currently 6+ months; initial 1-3 sessions available for assessment, feedback and referrals via intake form. No ages, NDIS registration, or telehealth details mentioned.
NDIS provider offering support coordination, psychosocial recovery coaching, and allied health services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, and dietetics. No specific ages, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
Bacchus Marsh-based provider supporting infants through seniors, including NDIS participants. Offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, early intervention (ECI, ESDM), ABA/positive behaviour support, group programs, and OT/speech assistant support. Services delivered in-home, in-clinic, and via telehealth.
General allied health clinic in Ballarat/Alfredton offering psychology, podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, myotherapy and remedial massage. No paediatric-specific details, ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist information provided.
Ballarat Allied Health is a team of physiotherapists and podiatrists serving Ballarat for over two decades. No paediatric-specific ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details are explicitly mentioned on the page.
Registered NDIS provider offering Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Positive Behaviour Support, Social Work, and Continence Nursing across Ballarat, Central Highlands and wider Victoria. Serves NDIS, My Aged Care and private clients of all ages, including telehealth options.
Paediatric physiotherapists focus on how children move. They assess and support gross motor development (rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping), coordination and balance, muscle strength and tone, and mobility. Rather than working through repetitive drills, a good paediatric physio embeds therapy into play so children stay engaged while building real skills.
Common areas of support include:
Every child develops at their own pace, but it can be worth booking an assessment if you notice your child:
If you have concerns, it's always reasonable to raise them with your GP, maternal and child health nurse, or paediatrician, who can help decide whether a referral is appropriate.
Paediatric physiotherapy supports children from birth right through to adolescence. Early intervention (roughly 0–6 years) is often emphasised because young children's brains and bodies are highly adaptable, but physios also work with school-aged children and teenagers on strength, coordination, sport and mobility goals.
A first session usually runs 45–60 minutes and is mostly about getting to know your child. Typically the physio will:
Bringing along comfy clothes, any relevant reports, and a favourite toy can help your child feel at ease.
As a general guide, private paediatric physiotherapy in Australia commonly ranges from around $180 to $230+ per session. The NDIS publishes price limits for therapy supports, and many providers set their fees with these caps in mind — but prices vary between clinics, so always confirm directly before booking. Some families also access support through Medicare (with a GP care plan, limited sessions) or private health extras, though rebates differ.
Under the NDIS, physiotherapy usually sits within the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. This funding is designed to build your child's skills and independence over time. If your child has a plan, check whether physiotherapy is included and whether you're self-managed, plan-managed or agency-managed, as this affects which providers you can use.
This page features Ballarat-area providers including Thoughts Australia, Modern Medicine (Gillies St and Bakery Hill), Ballarat Allied Health, Everyday Independence Ballarat, Newington Physiotherapy, National 360 Ballarat and others. Note that some listed providers focus on other services such as speech pathology, occupational therapy or hand therapy — always confirm they offer paediatric physiotherapy specifically.
When comparing options, look at:
Choosing the right physio is a partnership. Trust your instincts, ask plenty of questions, and don't hesitate to contact more than one clinic to find the best fit for your family.
Or read the full paediatric physiotherapy guide, or browse all Ballarat providers.
Not usually for private appointments — you can often book directly. However, a referral from your GP or paediatrician may be needed for Medicare-supported sessions and can be useful for NDIS planning. Check with the clinic when booking.
Physiotherapy is commonly funded under the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget if it's included in your child's plan. Whether you're self-, plan- or agency-managed affects which providers you can use, so confirm the details in your plan.
As a general guide, sessions often range from around $180 to $230+ in Australia. The NDIS sets price limits that many providers work within, but fees vary between clinics. Always confirm the cost directly before booking.
Paediatric physios work with children from birth through to adolescence. Early intervention in the first few years is often encouraged, but support is valuable at any age depending on your child's goals.
All physiotherapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA, which you can verify online. It's also worth asking about their specific experience working with children and conditions similar to your child's.