Paediatric physiotherapy supports children to build gross motor skills, coordination and mobility so they can move, play and take part in daily life more confidently. This guide explains what physiotherapy for kids involves, how to know if your child might benefit, and how to choose a Melbourne provider. It also features a selection of clinics listed on our directory across the metro area.
General physiotherapy clinic in South Yarra offering tailored assessments and treatments in-clinic, at work, gym, or home; no explicit paediatric focus, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
General physiotherapy clinic in Glen Iris, VIC offering physiotherapy, dietitian/nutrition, remedial massage, myotherapy and clinical Pilates. No explicit mention of paediatric services, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlists; serves general population across Malvern East, Glen Iris and Ashburton.
Viva Physiotherapy, a Melbourne physiotherapy practice, is merging with Flex Physio and relocating to Level 2, 406 Collins Street from 26 April 2024. Same practitioners, services, and classes continue; bookings via existing website and phone (03) 9670 7041.
Melbourne-based NDIS provider offering early childhood therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, allied health assistance, and referrals for dietetics, psychology and physiotherapy. Serves children across northern, south-east, inner-eastern and western Melbourne with immediate capacity; currently taking new referrals.
Physio Partners is a multidisciplinary allied-health clinic in Melbourne (CBD, Doncaster East, Mornington) offering rehabilitation, chest physiotherapy, NDIS services (physiotherapy, exercise physiology, counselling, remedial massage, social work), and home/mobile visits. No paediatric-specific services, ages, telehealth details, or waitlist information are explicitly mentioned.
Melbourne CBD multidisciplinary practice offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Allied Health Assistance, Positive Behaviour Support, and NDIS Support Coordination/Plan Management for children, including babies. NDIS-funded services mentioned; no explicit ages, telehealth, or waitlist details given.
Mitcham-based paediatric and dance physiotherapy clinic treating conditions like developmental delay, low tone, ASD, cerebral palsy and dance injuries. Offers clinic, home, school and community visits, hydrotherapy, NDIS (plan/self-managed), private health and Medicare CDM funding.
Bloom Healthcare provides NDIS allied health services in Melbourne including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, behavioural support, psychology, and speech pathology, delivered at home, school, or via telehealth. NDIS provider with low to no wait times; also offers aged care programs.
Paediatric physiotherapists are AHPRA-registered health professionals who focus on how children move. They assess and support gross motor development — the large-muscle skills used for rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, climbing and ball skills. Therapy may also target balance, coordination, core strength, posture and mobility.
Sessions are play-based and tailored to a child's age and goals. Rather than dry exercises, a physio might use obstacle courses, games, climbing equipment or swimming to build strength and confidence. The aim is to help children participate more fully at home, at kinder or school, and in sport and play.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might consider a physiotherapy assessment if your child:
If you have concerns, it's worth speaking with your GP, maternal and child health nurse, or paediatrician, who can help you decide whether an assessment is appropriate. This guide is general information only and not medical advice.
Paediatric physiotherapists work with children from birth through to adolescence. Early support is often encouraged because young children's brains and bodies are highly adaptable, but physiotherapy can be valuable at any age depending on the child's goals.
A first session is usually an assessment. The physio will ask about your child's history, development, medical background and the goals you and your child have. They'll watch your child move and play, and may measure things like strength, range of movement, balance and gait.
From there, they'll discuss findings and suggest a plan. This might include a block of regular sessions, a home program of activities, equipment recommendations, or referral to another professional. Bring any relevant reports, referrals or NDIS plan details, and dress your child in comfortable clothing they can move in.
As a general guide, private paediatric physiotherapy in Australia often ranges from around $180 to $230+ per session, with assessments and reports sometimes charged separately. The NDIS publishes price limits (caps) for therapy supports each year, and many providers align their fees with these. Actual fees vary by provider, session length and whether travel or reports are involved, so always confirm pricing directly.
Under the NDIS, physiotherapy usually falls under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. If your child has funding in this category, it can typically be used for assessments, therapy sessions, home programs and reports. NDIS registration is not compulsory for all providers, but if you are NDIA-managed you'll generally need to use an NDIS-registered provider, while plan-managed and self-managed participants have more flexibility. Check your plan management type before booking.
Some families also access support through private health insurance, Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans (with a GP referral, limited rebated sessions), or other funding streams.
Melbourne has clinics across the CBD and suburbs. Providers featured on our directory include Language For Life and Bloom Healthcare in the CBD, Health 2 You in South Melbourne, Sum Of Us Kids Therapy Hub in Yarraville, Karista in South Yarra, Advance Therapy in Pascoe Vale South, Stepping Forward Therapy Services in Canterbury, Voice Medicine Australia in East Melbourne, Physio Inq Victoria, Early Start Australia in Hawthorn, and Splash Paediatric Therapy in Essendon and Hawthorn East.
When comparing options, consider:
Taking a little time to check credentials, funding and fit will help you find the right support for your child.
Or read the full paediatric physiotherapy guide, or browse all Melbourne providers.
Paediatric physiotherapists specialise in how children grow and move. They use play-based, developmentally appropriate methods and focus on milestones, coordination, mobility and participation at home, kinder and school, rather than treating children as small adults.
You usually don't need a referral to book privately or through the NDIS. However, a GP, paediatrician or maternal and child health nurse can help guide your decision, and a referral is needed if you want to access a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan.
If your child has an NDIS plan with funding under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living, this can often be used for physiotherapy. Your plan management type (NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed) affects which providers you can use, so check your plan and confirm with the provider.
As a general guide, sessions often range from around $180 to $230+, with assessments and reports sometimes charged separately. The NDIS sets annual price caps that many providers follow. Fees vary, so always confirm current pricing directly with the clinic.
Waitlists vary widely between clinics and can change quickly. Some providers can see new clients within a few weeks, while others have longer waits. It's best to contact clinics directly and ask about both initial appointments and ongoing session availability.