Supporting Strength, Mobility and Independence at Every Age
At Ohana Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, we support individuals living with Down syndrome from infancy through to adulthood.
Down syndrome is not simply a childhood diagnosis — it is a lifelong genetic condition. With the right physiotherapy support at each stage of life, individuals with Down syndrome can build strength, improve mobility, maintain independence, and optimise long-term health.
This guide explores:
- What Down syndrome is
- Physical considerations across different ages
- The role of physiotherapy in children, adolescents and adults
- Evidence-based intervention approaches
- When to seek support
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. It occurs at conception due to an overexpression of chromosome 21 and affects approximately 1 in 800 births, with around 11,000 people living with Down syndrome in Australia.
Types of Down Syndrome
- Trisomy 21 (94%) – Every cell has an extra chromosome 21
- Mosaic Down syndrome (2–3%) – Some cells have an extra chromosome 21
- Translocation Down syndrome (3–4%) – Extra chromosome 21 material is attached to another chromosome
Down syndrome influences development across the lifespan, including muscle tone, joint stability, cardiovascular health and physical endurance.
Physical Considerations in Down Syndrome
While presentation varies between individuals, common physical characteristics may include:
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Joint hypermobility
- Knee hyperextension
- Flat feet (pes planus)
- Reduced postural control
- Decreased strength and endurance
These factors can influence motor development in childhood and musculoskeletal health in adolescence and adulthood.
Physiotherapy in Infancy & Early Childhood
Children with Down syndrome often reach motor milestones later than peers:
- Sitting: ~12–14 months
- Crawling: ~12–18 months
- Walking: Average ~25 months
Early physiotherapy focuses on:
✔ Supporting motor milestone development
✔ Improving postural control
✔ Building strength and endurance
✔ Reducing compensatory movement patterns
✔ Encouraging safe progression to independent mobility
Early intervention significantly improves functional outcomes and confidence.
Physiotherapy in School-Age Children
As children grow, therapy shifts toward:
- Running and jumping skills
- Playground participation
- Sport readiness
- Strength and conditioning
- Balance and coordination
Children with Down syndrome may experience:
- Fatigue
- Reduced endurance
- Difficulty with higher-level motor skills
- Increased sedentary behaviour
Structured physiotherapy programs can improve physical literacy and promote long-term health.
Physiotherapy in Adolescents
Adolescence brings new challenges, including:
- Rapid growth
- Increased body weight
- Postural changes
- Reduced cardiovascular fitness
Physiotherapy may focus on:
✔ Strength training
✔ Aerobic conditioning
✔ Hydrotherapy
✔ Postural correction
✔ Joint protection strategies
Research supports aerobic and hydrotherapy programs for improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing body fat percentage, and enhancing participation.
Physiotherapy in Adults with Down Syndrome
Adults living with Down syndrome may experience:
- Early-onset musculoskeletal pain
- Joint instability
- Reduced physical activity
- Increased risk of obesity
- Decline in balance and mobility
Ongoing physiotherapy support can help:
✔ Maintain independence
✔ Prevent secondary complications
✔ Improve balance and reduce falls risk
✔ Manage pain
✔ Support long-term musculoskeletal health
Proactive strength and mobility programs are key to maintaining function across adulthood.
Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Approaches
Physiotherapy for individuals with Down syndrome may include:
Supported Treadmill Training (Infants)
Associated with earlier independent walking.
Task-Specific Motor Training (Children)
Improves coordination, cycling ability and gross motor skills.
Whole-Body Vibration
Emerging evidence suggests improvements in balance and bone mineral density.
Strength & Conditioning Programs (Adolescents & Adults)
Improve endurance, posture and long-term musculoskeletal outcomes.
Hydrotherapy
Supports joint-friendly strengthening and cardiovascular fitness.
All treatment programs should be individualised, goal-driven and meaningful.
What Happens During a Physiotherapy Assessment?
A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment includes:
- Developmental and medical history
- Cardiac considerations
- Strength and tone assessment
- Joint stability and foot posture
- Balance and postural control
- Functional mobility
- Participation goals
For children and adults accessing NDIS, assessments may also contribute to reporting and goal planning.
Why Lifespan Physiotherapy Matters
Down syndrome is lifelong — and physiotherapy support should evolve across different stages of life.
With consistent, evidence-based support, individuals can:
- Improve strength and coordination
- Maintain independence
- Reduce long-term pain and orthopaedic complications
- Participate confidently at school, work and in the community
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we provide paediatric and lifespan physiotherapy for individuals living with Down syndrome across the Gold Coast.
When Should You Seek Physiotherapy?
Consider physiotherapy support if:
- Motor milestones are delayed
- Your child struggles with balance or coordination
- There is fatigue or reduced endurance
- You notice joint instability or pain
- An adolescent or adult is becoming less active
- You would like support with NDIS functional goals
Early and ongoing intervention leads to better long-term outcomes.
Supporting Independence at Every Age
Physiotherapy is not about changing who someone is.
It is about empowering individuals living with Down syndrome to move well, participate fully, and build lifelong independence.
If you are seeking Down syndrome physiotherapy support on the Gold Coast, our team at Ohana Physiotherapy is here to help.