Physiotherapy
for Medically & Physically Complex Children
- Mobile - School, Home, Daycare
- Functional goals and milestone tracking
- Parent coaching and involvement encouraged
Supporting strength, movement, and participation for children with complex physical needs.
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we support babies and children living with complex medical or physical conditions that affect movement, posture, strength, and everyday function.
How We Work
Our physiotherapists work closely with families whose children require specialised, hands-on physiotherapy, often alongside paediatricians, surgeons, and multidisciplinary care teams.
We understand that medically complex children often have multiple layers of need. Our role is to help children develop physical capacity, safe movement patterns, and functional independence wherever possible — always delivered in a calm, supportive, and child-centred environment.
Children We Commonly Support
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Developmental hip dysplasia
- Complex orthopaedic conditions
- Muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions
- Genetic or neurological conditions affecting movement
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Children with complex medical histories
- Strength, endurance, or mobility
Every child is different. If your child has a condition not listed above, our team is happy to discuss whether physiotherapy may be helpful.
Our Approach to Complex Paediatric Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for medically complex children requires careful clinical reasoning, specialist handling skills, and an understanding of each child’s broader medical context.
Our therapy may include:
- Hands-on facilitation to support movement and motor learning
- Development of postural control and core strength
- Mobility training, transfers, and functional movement skills
- Guidance around positioning and equipment use
- Building endurance and strength for everyday activities
- Collaboration with paediatricians, specialists, and other therapists
What Families Can Expect
Families attending physiotherapy for complex physical needs can expect:
- Individualised physiotherapy sessions tailored to your child
- A calm and structured environment that supports learning and participation
- Clear communication about goals, progress, and treatment planning
- Careful consideration of fatigue, safety, and medical complexity
- Collaboration with your child’s broader medical and therapy team
- Collaboration with paediatricians, specialists, and other therapists
Clinic-Based and Community Physiotherapy
- In-clinic,
where specialised equipment and a controlled environment support therapy - Home or community visits,
depending on clinical need, location, and therapist availability
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- Free quick phone assessment
- No-obligations at all
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Funding and Referrals
Children may access physiotherapy at Ohana through:
• NDIS funding
• Medicare (with gap fee)
• Private payment
If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is suitable for your child, our team is happy to discuss your child’s needs before booking.
More Information
Can physiotherapy help children with complex medical conditions?
Yes. Physiotherapy can play an important role in supporting children with complex medical or physical conditions. Treatment focuses on improving movement, strength, posture, and functional skills that help children participate in everyday activities.
For children with medically complex needs, physiotherapy is often part of a broader care team and may support goals such as improving mobility, maintaining joint range, building endurance, and assisting with safe movement patterns.
Each child’s therapy plan is tailored to their medical history, physical presentation, and family goals.
What happens during physiotherapy sessions for medically complex children?
Physiotherapy sessions are individualised and typically include a combination of hands-on facilitation, movement activities, and exercises designed to support physical development.
Depending on the child’s needs, therapy may focus on:
Postural control and strength
Movement patterns and motor development
Mobility skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking
Functional tasks and participation in daily activities
Guidance for parents on positioning and movement support at home
Sessions are structured to consider fatigue levels, medical considerations, and the child’s comfort.
Do I need a referral for physiotherapy?
A referral is not always required to see a physiotherapist. Many families access physiotherapy directly through private or NDIS funding.
However, some referrals may come from paediatricians, orthopaedic specialists, neurologists, or other healthcare providers as part of a multidisciplinary care plan.
If you are unsure whether a referral is required for your situation, our team can help guide you.
Can physiotherapy be funded through the NDIS?
Yes. Many children with complex physical needs access physiotherapy through NDIS funding under their therapy supports.
Physiotherapy can help children work towards goals related to mobility, physical development, independence, and participation in daily activities.
If your child has an NDIS plan and you are unsure whether physiotherapy is included, our team can help you understand how therapy may fit within your child’s supports.