The correct management of childhood foot abnormalities and any associated problems with walking can prevent the development of problems with the joints and limbs in later life. Although a child may not present with any pain, they may have poor foot and ankle positioning and mechanics, and subsequently issues with the way in which they stand and walk. Abnormalities in their gait pattern (arising from abnormal foot and ankle dynamics), may then lead to altered patterns of movement at their knees, hips and pelvis as the body compensates for these improper ‘biomechanics’.

This is a recently-devised term used to describe problems that children may have with motor (movement) co-ordination. It has previously been covered by many other terms such as ‘clumsy child syndrome’, developmental disorder of motor function, motor-learning difficulty, sensory-integrative dysfunction, perseptuo-motor dysfunction and dyspraxia. Dyspraxia may be present as a form of DCD, highlighting an immaturity in the way that the brain processes information. This can affect the organisation of movement as messages to the brain are not being properly or fully transmitted.

Down's Syndrome affects about one in every 1000 babies born in the UK and occurs when an individual has a full or a partial extra chromosome 21, altering the way in which they develop and causing that individual to display particular characteristics specific to this genetic condition.

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the head is hit or shaken violently, causing injury to the brain inside the skull, for example, during a road traffic accident, following a fall, or Physiotherapy intervention following a brain injury should begin from the earliest stage possible. We work closely with parents, carers, Case Managers, Solicitors, and any other associated health professionals when managing children who are recovering from a traumatic brain injury.when a direct blow is sustained to the head.

This term is used when a baby or toddler reaches certain ‘developmental milestones’ much slower than the expected age. Developmental milestones include physical skills such as bringing their hands together, rolling over, sitting unsupported etc, and also certain cognitive and speech and language skills that children require, in order to function within normal parameters and to integrate socially and appropriately. When a child shows signs of developmental delay in most areas of their normal development, they are diagnosed with ‘global developmental delay’.

Children who participate in sport are likely to be fitter, healthier, and stronger. However, playing sport, recreationally or competitively, as a child or adolescent does bring with it the potential risk of injury. Injuries can range from a simple ankle sprain, to a more complex ligament injury to a joint, to the fracture of a bone.