Paediatric physiotherapy helps children build the gross motor skills, coordination and mobility they need to move, play and keep up with their peers. This guide explains what to expect, how NDIS funding can help, and how to choose the right physio in the Launceston region. It also features local providers listed on our site so you can compare and enquire.
In-Balance offers physiotherapy, exercise physiology, hand therapy (occupational therapy), remedial massage, and Pilates in Launceston, TAS. Accepts NDIS managed, plan managed, and self-funded clients. No age range, telehealth, or waitlist details specified.
General physiotherapy clinic in Longford, TAS treating all ages for musculoskeletal, sports, neurological and chronic conditions. No referral required; HICAPS claims available. No explicit paediatric focus, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
Physiotherapy provider in Launceston, Northern Tasmania, offering in-clinic and in-home services for musculoskeletal, rehabilitation, sports injuries and aged care. Accepts NDIS, DVA, MVA, workers compensation and private funding. No specific paediatric age range, practitioner names, or telehealth details mentioned.
West Tamar Physiotherapy is a registered NDIS provider in Exeter, TAS offering physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, home visits, and exercise programs including PD Warrior and GLA:D, without stated age restrictions or paediatric-specific mention.
Multidisciplinary paediatric provider in Launceston offering speech pathology, OT, physiotherapy, psychology, dietetics, early intervention, art/music therapy and allied health assistants for ages 0-16, plus adult services. Offers in-clinic, off-site and state-wide telehealth appointments across Tasmania.
General physiotherapy practice in Launceston offering assessment, treatment and rehabilitation; no explicit paediatric, NDIS, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
Physiofit is a multi-disciplinary health clinic in South Launceston (with a Deloraine clinic) offering general health services for all ages and abilities; no specific paediatric therapy types, practitioners, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details are explicitly stated on the page.
Emerge Allied Health is a Tasmanian, family-focused multidisciplinary practice for children and young people, offering Psychology, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and early childhood intervention services, aiming to provide holistic, evidence-based supports under one roof.
Paediatric physiotherapists are movement specialists who work with babies, children and teenagers. Unlike adult physio, which often focuses on injury recovery, paediatric physio is largely about supporting a child's development — helping them reach milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping and balancing.
A physio might work on gross motor skills (the big movements involving arms, legs and the whole body), core strength, coordination, balance and posture. They also support children with diagnosed conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, hypermobility, low muscle tone, or genetic and neurological conditions that affect movement. Therapy is usually play-based, so sessions feel like games rather than exercises.
Every child develops at their own pace, but it can be worth speaking to a GP, paediatrician or physio if you notice your child:
These signs don't automatically mean there's a problem, but an assessment can give you clarity and a plan. This guide is general information only and not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.
Paediatric physiotherapy supports children from newborns (including premature babies and those with conditions like torticollis or plagiocephaly) right through to adolescence. Early support can be particularly valuable because young children's brains and bodies are highly adaptable, but it's never too late to seek help.
An initial appointment usually runs 45–60 minutes. The physio will ask about your pregnancy, birth, your child's medical history and their current milestones and challenges. They'll then observe your child moving and playing — watching how they walk, run, balance, sit and use their body. For younger children this is done through play so they stay relaxed.
After the assessment, the physio will discuss what they've observed, set some goals with you, and suggest a plan. This might include regular sessions, a home program of activities, or referrals to other professionals such as occupational therapists or podiatrists. Bring any relevant reports, referrals or a list of your questions and concerns.
In Australia, paediatric physiotherapy generally costs somewhere in the range of $180–$230 per session for private clients, with initial assessments sometimes higher. The NDIS publishes price caps for therapy supports each year, and many providers align their fees with these. Prices vary between clinics and change over time, so always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
If your child has an NDIS plan, physiotherapy is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. This budget covers assessments, therapy sessions, report writing and sometimes travel. You can access physio whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIS-managed — though NDIS-managed (agency-managed) plans require a provider who is a registered NDIS provider. Self-managed and plan-managed families have more flexibility to choose unregistered providers.
Some children may also access physio through Medicare (via a GP Chronic Disease Management plan, with a rebate for a limited number of sessions), private health extras cover, or public paediatric services in Tasmania.
This page features local providers including Northern Midlands Physiotherapy (Longford), CONNECT PHYSIOTHERAPY TASMANIA, West Tamar Physiotherapy (Exeter), Early Start Australia – Tasmania North, Seaport Sports and Physiotherapy, Emerge Allied Health, Niche Allied Health, Respire Tasmania, Restore Physiotherapy, Cardinal Physiotherapy (Invermay), Bites Health – The Bubble Launceston and Optimum Health Solutions – Launceston. When comparing options, look at:
Taking a little time to ask these questions upfront helps you find a physio who's the right fit for your child and family.
Or read the full paediatric physiotherapy guide, or browse all Launceston providers.
If your child is behind on motor milestones, frequently trips or falls, tires easily, walks on their toes, or struggles with balance and coordination, it may be worth an assessment. Speak to your GP, child health nurse or paediatrician, who can also provide a referral if needed. A physio assessment can give you clarity and a plan — this is general information only, not medical advice.
If your child has an NDIS plan, physiotherapy is usually funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. You can use self-managed, plan-managed or NDIS-managed funding, though agency-managed plans require a registered NDIS provider. Always confirm with the provider that they can work with your plan type before booking.
As a general guide, sessions in Australia often range from around $180–$230, with initial assessments sometimes costing more. The NDIS sets price caps that many providers follow. Prices vary between clinics and change over time, so confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Paediatric physios work with children of all ages, from newborns and premature babies through to teenagers. Early support can be valuable because young children's bodies are highly adaptable, but children of any age can benefit from an assessment and tailored therapy.
All physiotherapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), which you can verify on their public register. Also ask about the physio's specific paediatric training and experience, and whether they are a registered NDIS provider if that matters for your plan.