When to seek paediatric physiotherapy support
As children grow, they develop important movement skills like rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, and running.
While there is a wide range of what’s considered “typical,” some children take longer to reach these milestones. This is known as a developmental delay.
For many parents, it can be hard to know when to wait and when to seek help. Understanding the signs of developmental delay — and how paediatric physiotherapy can support your child — can make a significant difference in their development and confidence.
👶 What is developmental delay?
Developmental delay occurs when a child is slower to reach milestones compared to other children of the same age.
In physiotherapy, we focus on gross motor development, which includes skills such as:
- Rolling and sitting
- Crawling and standing
- Walking and running
- Jumping, balancing, and climbing
Every child develops at their own pace, but ongoing delays in these areas can benefit from early support.
⏱ Developmental milestones (general guide)
Children reach milestones within a range, not at exact ages. Below are typical timeframes for gross motor skills:
- Rolling: ~4–6 months
- Sitting independently: ~6–8 months
- Crawling: ~8–12 months
- Pulling to stand: ~9–12 months
- Walking independently: ~10–18 months
- Running and climbing: ~18–24 months
- Jumping: ~18–24 months
If your child is outside these ranges, or you notice differences in how they move compared to peers, it may be worth seeking advice from a paediatric physiotherapist.
🚩 When should you see a paediatric physiotherapist?
A simple rule: if you’re concerned, it’s worth checking.
You may benefit from an assessment if your child:
- Is not meeting expected motor milestones
- Moves differently compared to other children
- Appears stiff, floppy, or asymmetrical
- Avoids movement or certain positions
- Gets tired quickly during play
Early intervention is key. Seeking physiotherapy support early can:
- Improve strength and coordination
- Support age-appropriate motor skill development
- Prevent compensatory movement patterns
- Build confidence in movement and play
You do not need a diagnosis or referral to get started.
🧩 How paediatric physiotherapy can help
At Ohana Physiotherapy (Gold Coast), we provide play-based physiotherapy tailored to your child’s individual needs.
A paediatric physiotherapist can:
- Assess movement, strength, and coordination
- Identify areas of delay or difficulty
- Provide targeted, age-appropriate activities
- Support parents with practical strategies at home
- Collaborate with other professionals (OT, speech, paediatricians)
Our sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and effective, helping children build skills while enjoying the process.
💛 Trust your instincts
As a parent, you know your child best.
If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s always okay to ask questions or seek support. Early guidance can have a lasting positive impact on your child’s development.
🌱 Final thoughts
Developmental delays can feel worrying, but with the right support, children can make incredible progress.
With early intervention, play-based therapy, and a supportive environment, your child can build the skills they need to thrive.
📍 Need support?
If you have concerns about your child’s development or would like an assessment:
👉 Ohana Physiotherapy offers paediatric physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, including clinic, community, and hydrotherapy sessions.
📩 Get in touch today to book an assessment or chat with our team.