Paediatric physiotherapy helps children build the gross motor skills, coordination and mobility they need to move, play and keep up with everyday life. This guide explains what to expect, how NDIS funding works, and how to choose a Bendigo provider — and features a selection of local clinics for you to explore.
General and sports physiotherapy clinic in Bendigo (East Bendigo, VIC) treating adults and some younger athletes. No explicit mention of NDIS registration, telehealth, waitlists, or dedicated paediatric-specific services beyond physiotherapy.
Action Rehab Bendigo offers hand therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy focused on shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions, including paediatric fractures. No referral needed; located at 26 Bridge St, Bendigo VIC.
General physiotherapy and allied health provider offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietitian, podiatry, and other services. Accepts NDIS, Medicare, TAC, DVA, WorkSafe. No specific paediatric age range, telehealth, waitlist, or practitioner names mentioned.
Bendigo-based provider offering Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Early Childhood Intervention for children and adults, including hydrotherapy, assessments, home modifications and assistive technology. No referral needed. Accepts NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients; not yet a registered NDIS provider for NDIA-managed participants.
Private psychology practice seeing clients of all ages including children and adolescents, offering child/adult psychology services (e.g., CBT, ACT, trauma, anxiety). Medicare rebates available with GP referral; no bulk billing. Waitlist 2-6 months. One psychologist offers telehealth-only appointments.
Bendigo CBD physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates clinic closing as a standalone business Dec 12th; Kirrily will continue limited physio services from an alternate clinic from mid-January 2026 alongside clinical research. Enquiries via contact form.
Bendigo-based physiotherapy and performance clinic offering physiotherapy, exercise physiology, hydrotherapy and related allied health services. Registered NDIS provider, also serving TAC, WorkSafe Victoria and DVA clients. Serves community members of all ages and abilities; no telehealth or waitlist details mentioned.
General physiotherapy clinic in Bendigo since 1981 treating adults and children for sporting injuries, neck/back pain, muscle and joint pain, and osteoarthritis. No waiting lists, appointments often within 24 hours, 30-minute consults. No NDIS registration or telehealth mentioned.
Paediatric physiotherapy focuses on how children move. Rather than just treating an injury, a paediatric physio looks at gross motor development — the big movements like rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping and climbing — along with balance, coordination, strength and posture.
Sessions are usually play-based, because children learn best through activity. A physio might use obstacle courses, ball games, climbing equipment or floor play to work on specific goals while keeping your child engaged. The aim is to help your child move more confidently and take part in the everyday things other kids their age are doing, at home, at kinder or school, and in the community.
Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs may be worth discussing with your GP, paediatrician or a physio:
This list is general information, not medical advice. If you have concerns, speak with your GP or paediatrician, who can help with referrals and any assessments your child may need.
Paediatric physiotherapists work with children from birth right through to adolescence. That includes newborns and babies (for example, supporting early movement or conditions affecting tummy time and head shape), toddlers and preschoolers working on walking and coordination, and school-aged children and teens building strength, gross motor skills and confidence in sport or PE.
The first session is usually an assessment. The physio will chat with you about your child's history, your concerns and what you'd like to achieve. They'll watch your child move and play — observing things like posture, gait, balance and strength — and may do some gentle hands-on assessment.
From there, they'll talk through their findings and work with you to set goals. Many clinics then provide a home program of simple activities to practise between sessions, because regular practice at home often makes the biggest difference. Bring along any reports from your GP, paediatrician or other therapists, and dress your child in comfortable clothes they can move freely in.
As a general guide, private paediatric physiotherapy in Australia often ranges from around $150 to $220+ per session, depending on session length and whether it's a longer initial assessment. The NDIS publishes price caps in its annual Pricing Arrangements, and many therapists charge at or near these caps. Prices vary between clinics, so always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Under the NDIS, physiotherapy is generally funded through the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. How you can use it depends on how your plan is managed:
Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans and private health extras may also help for some families — check what applies to your situation.
This page features Bendigo and surrounding-area providers including Olympus Lifestyle Co | Bendigo Physiotherapy, Action Rehab Hand Therapy, V-Care Physio and Allied Health, Capable Therapy, Healthy Mates Physiotherapy, Golden City Physiotherapy, Everyday Independence, Fusion Physiotherapy, Treehouse Paediatrics, Early Steps Physiotherapy and others. Ratings and review counts can help you shortlist, but they're only a starting point.
When choosing, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions upfront helps you find a provider who's the right fit for your child and family.
Or read the full paediatric physiotherapy guide, or browse all Bendigo providers.
Yes, physiotherapy is generally funded under the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget if it relates to your child's disability-related goals. How you access it depends on whether your plan is NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed. Confirm details with your provider and plan manager.
As a general guide, sessions often range from around $150 to $220+, with longer initial assessments sometimes costing more. The NDIS sets price caps that many therapists follow. Prices vary, so always confirm current fees directly with the clinic.
Paediatric physios work with children from birth through adolescence. If you have concerns about your baby's or child's movement or motor milestones, it's worth discussing early — your GP or paediatrician can help with referrals and any assessments needed.
All physiotherapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA (the Physiotherapy Board of Australia). You can verify registration on the AHPRA website, and it's worth asking about their specific experience working with children.
Waitlists are common across regional Victoria due to high demand. Times vary between clinics, so contact providers directly to ask about current availability. Some offer telehealth reviews, which may help you start sooner.