Paediatric physiotherapy helps children build the gross motor skills, coordination and mobility they need to move, play and keep up with their mates. This guide explains what to expect, how NDIS funding works, and how to choose a Townsville provider — including the clinics featured on this page.
Cleverley Physio in Hyde Park, QLD offers general, musculoskeletal, women's health, aged care physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, dry needling, pre-employment assessments, and paediatric physiotherapy for children. NDIS-related services are mentioned; NDIS logo displayed. No telehealth or waitlist details provided.
Family-owned Townsville physiotherapy clinic treating newborns to adults, offering paediatric physiotherapy, PediaSuit intensive therapy, ANF therapy, neurofeedback, home visits, and Auslan-friendly care. Welcomes NDIS plan-managed and self-managed clients; on-site private health claiming available.
Apricus Health is an NDIS-registered allied health provider in Townsville region since 2016, offering Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy among other services including paediatrics. Telehealth available for some services; no referral required for private OT/physio; DVA, WorkCover, and Medicare CDM referrals accepted.
Allied health provider offering psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, behaviour support, physiotherapy, dietetics, and allied health assistant support for adults and children, using a neuro-affirming, wholistic approach with assessments and interventions.
Move and Grow Physiotherapy is a Townsville clinic offering paediatric physiotherapy for babies, children, adolescents and adults with disabilities. Services provided in clinic, home, school or community, using key word signing, augmentative communication and sensory integration to complement physiotherapy sessions.
Physionorth is a Townsville (North Ward) physiotherapy clinic offering physiotherapy, exercise physiology, remedial massage, dry needling and exercise classes. NDIS approved provider; also accepts health funds, DVA, Medicare, WorkCover and private clients. No specific paediatric age range or telehealth details stated.
NDIS-registered provider (since 2016) formerly Helping Hands/Access Therapy, offering paediatric Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy among other allied health services across the lifespan. Services delivered in-clinic, at home, school, or via telehealth; no referral needed for private OT/physio clients.
Family health centre offering speech pathology covering complex communication, multiple impairments, early intervention, swallowing and mealtimes. Currently recruiting for physiotherapist and occupational therapist positions; those services not yet available.
Paediatric physiotherapists work with babies, children and teenagers to support the way their bodies move. Unlike physio for an adult sports injury, a children's physio focuses on development — helping a child reach movement milestones, improve balance and coordination, build strength, and take part more fully in everyday activities like walking, running, climbing and playing.
Sessions are usually play-based. A good children's physio will make therapy feel like a game, because that's how kids stay engaged and learn best. Depending on the child, therapy might target core strength, balance, gait (the way they walk), motor planning, or managing conditions such as cerebral palsy, low muscle tone (hypotonia), toe-walking, developmental coordination difficulties, or recovery after injury or surgery.
Every child develops at their own pace, but it can be worth talking to a GP or physio if you notice your child:
A physio can only assess your individual child — this guide is general information, not medical advice.
Paediatric physio supports children from newborns (for example, babies with torticollis or plagiocephaly) right through to adolescence. The earlier a movement difficulty is identified, the more opportunity there is to support development while the brain and body are growing quickly — but it's never too late to start.
The first session is usually an assessment. The physio will chat with you about your child's history, milestones and your goals, then watch your child move, play and complete some age-appropriate tasks. They may measure things like strength, range of motion, balance and coordination.
You'll typically leave with a plan — this might include a set of exercises to do at home, some equipment suggestions, and a recommended visit schedule. Bring any relevant reports (from a paediatrician, GP or other therapists) and dress your child in comfortable clothing they can move in.
As a general guide, private paediatric physiotherapy in Australia often falls in the range of around $180–$230 per session, though this varies by clinic, session length and complexity. The NDIS publishes price caps for therapy supports each year, and registered providers must not charge NDIS participants above those caps. Always confirm current fees directly with the clinic, as prices change and this is a general range only.
Under the NDIS, physiotherapy is usually funded from the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. This funding is for therapy that builds your child's skills and independence. Depending on your plan management type (self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed), you may have more or fewer options about which providers you can use:
If you don't have NDIS funding, some families use private health extras cover, and Medicare may offer limited rebates through a GP Chronic Disease Management plan — ask your GP whether your child is eligible.
This page features a number of Townsville and surrounding-suburb clinics, including options in Wulguru, Townsville City, North Ward, Pimlico, Aitkenvale, West End, Thuringowa Central, Kirwan, Douglas, Garbutt and Deeragun. When comparing them, look at:
NDIS registration. If your plan is NDIA-managed, check the provider is NDIS-registered before booking. Even if it isn't required for your plan type, ask how they handle NDIS invoicing.
Therapist credentials. Physiotherapists in Australia must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (AHPRA). Ask whether the therapist has specific paediatric experience — working with children is a distinct skill set. (You may see Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology mentioned at multi-disciplinary clinics; those professions are registered through OT Australia/AHPRA and Speech Pathology Australia respectively.)
Waitlists. Paediatric waitlists in regional areas can be long. Ask how many weeks the wait is, whether you can join a cancellation list, and whether an initial assessment can happen sooner than ongoing sessions.
Telehealth. For families in outer suburbs or juggling work and school, ask whether follow-up appointments or home-program reviews can be done via telehealth.
Fit for your child. Ratings and review counts (shown for each clinic on this page) can be a helpful starting point, but the right provider is the one whose approach suits your child and family.
Taking a few minutes to call ahead with these questions will help you find a provider who's the right match — and get your child moving with confidence.
Or read the full paediatric physiotherapy guide, or browse all Townsville providers.
Paediatric physios specialise in children's movement and development. They focus on gross motor milestones, coordination, balance and mobility using play-based sessions, rather than treating adult injuries. Ask any clinic whether their physio has specific experience with children.
Physiotherapy is generally funded under the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Whether you can use a particular clinic depends on your plan management type; NDIA-managed plans usually require an NDIS-registered provider. Check with your provider and plan manager.
As a general guide, private paediatric physio in Australia is often around $180–$230 per session, but this varies. The NDIS sets annual price caps that registered providers must not exceed. Always confirm current fees directly with the clinic, as this is a general range only.
Paediatric physio supports children from newborns through to teenagers. If you have concerns about milestones, walking, coordination or a diagnosed condition, it's worth seeking assessment early, but support can be valuable at any age. Speak to your GP or a physio about your individual child.
All practising physiotherapists in Australia must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia through AHPRA — you can verify this on the AHPRA register. Also ask about the therapist's specific experience working with children and, if relevant, the clinic's NDIS registration status.