Paediatric physiotherapy helps children build the strength, coordination and movement skills they need to play, learn and keep up with their peers. This guide explains what physio for kids involves, how to know if your child might benefit, and how NDIS funding works. It also features Sydney providers listed on our directory to help you start your search.
Miranda-based clinic offering Paediatric Physiotherapy alongside general, sports, women's health physiotherapy and exercise physiology. Registered NDIS provider. No mention of telehealth, waitlists, or specific age ranges.
PHYZFIT Health & Rehab offers Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Remedial Massage in Bexley North & Marrickville, NSW. Accepts NDIS, Medicare, private health, SIRA/WorkCover, DVA, EPC plans. Same-day appointments, no referral needed.
General physiotherapy provider in Sydney CBD, NDIS registered, offering physiotherapy, exercise physiology, massage therapy, and home visit services; no explicit paediatric age range or telehealth mentioned.
The Hills Physio, based in Kellyville Ridge NSW, offers paediatric physiotherapy for babies, kids and teens alongside general physiotherapy, women's health, sports rehab and Pilates. They state no waitlists and run a dedicated paediatric facility, Just for Kids. No NDIS or telehealth details mentioned.
Multidisciplinary allied health clinic in Kirrawee & Helensburgh, NSW. Registered NDIS provider offering paediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy in clinic, at home, or at school. Free discovery session offered; no age range, telehealth, or waitlist details specified.
General physiotherapy clinic in Cronulla, NSW, serving private, health fund, Workcover, EPC, DVA and NDIS clients. Offers extended consultations, home visits and telehealth; no specific paediatric or allied-health services beyond physiotherapy explicitly mentioned.
General physiotherapy clinic in Rouse Hill Village Centre offering physiotherapy, exercise physiology, podiatry, and concussion testing. Onsite NDIS planning and HICAPS available; no referral needed; home visits possible. No specific paediatric age range or additional therapy types mentioned.
Miranda, NSW multidisciplinary sports medicine clinic offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and paediatric dietetics for infants, children and adolescents, including feeding therapy, disability and autism/ADHD support. No NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details stated.
Paediatric physiotherapists focus on how children move. They assess and support gross motor development — the big movements that use the large muscles of the body, such as sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing and balancing. Sessions may also target coordination, core strength, posture, mobility and confidence with physical activity.
Unlike physio for adults, sessions for children are usually play-based. A physio might use obstacle courses, ball games, trampolines or climbing equipment to work on goals while keeping your child engaged. The aim is to help children participate more fully at home, at daycare or school, and in sport and play.
Common reasons families see a paediatric physio include developmental delay, low muscle tone, toe walking, difficulties with balance or coordination (sometimes described as developmental coordination disorder), conditions such as cerebral palsy, or recovery after an injury or surgery.
Every child develops at their own pace, but it can be worth speaking to a GP, paediatrician or physio if you notice your child:
This guide can't diagnose anything — if you have concerns, a GP or paediatrician can help you decide whether an assessment is the right next step.
Paediatric physios work with children from birth through to the teenage years. This includes newborns and infants (for example, with torticollis or plagiocephaly), toddlers and preschoolers working on walking and coordination, and school-aged children and teens building strength, fitness and participation in sport.
An initial appointment usually runs 45–60 minutes. The physio will ask about your child's medical and developmental history, your concerns and your goals. They'll then observe how your child moves — watching them walk, run, jump, balance or play, depending on their age.
From there, the physio explains their findings and works with you on a plan. This may include regular sessions, a home exercise program, and advice for daycare or school. Bring along any reports from your GP, paediatrician or other therapists, plus comfortable clothes and shoes for your child to move in.
As a general guide, paediatric physiotherapy in Sydney typically ranges from around $180 to $230 per hour. The NDIS sets price caps for therapy supports, and the current cap for physiotherapy is published in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (updated each year). Actual fees vary between providers, so always confirm pricing directly — these figures are a rough guide only.
Under the NDIS, physiotherapy generally sits within the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. If your child has NDIS funding, this budget can usually be used for assessments, therapy sessions, report writing and therapist travel. Families managing funds through plan-managed or self-managed arrangements can use both NDIS-registered and non-registered providers, while NDIA-managed plans require an NDIS-registered provider. Some families also access physio through Medicare (with a GP-referred care plan, which offers limited rebated sessions) or private health extras.
When comparing physios, look for:
This page features Sydney providers including Bloom Healthcare, Therapies For Kids (Lilyfield and Leichhardt), Everyday Independence Sutherland, Sydney Child Physio, Better Rehab Sutherland and others across the city and southern Sydney. Check each provider directly to confirm the services and availability that suit your family.
Or read the full paediatric physiotherapy guide, or browse all Sydney providers.
Physiotherapists focus mainly on gross motor skills — big movements like walking, running, balance and coordination — as well as strength and mobility. Occupational therapists focus more on fine motor skills, daily living tasks, sensory processing and play. Some children benefit from both, and the two often work together.
You don't need a referral to see a private physiotherapist. However, a GP or paediatrician referral is required if you want to access Medicare rebates through a care plan, and reports from other professionals can help the physio understand your child's needs.
If your child has an NDIS plan, physiotherapy usually falls under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living, provided it's a reasonable and necessary support linked to their goals. Check your plan budget and speak with your plan manager or support coordinator to confirm what's covered.
As a general guide, sessions typically range from around $180 to $230 per hour, and the NDIS publishes annual price caps for physiotherapy. Fees vary between providers, so confirm costs directly and ask what's included, such as reports or travel.
This depends entirely on your child's goals and needs. Some children attend weekly for a period, others fortnightly or monthly with a home program in between. Your physiotherapist will recommend a frequency after the initial assessment and review it as your child progresses.