“Our physiotherapists work with infants and young children. Our focus is on early intervention and childhood development”
We see children who present with…
Neurological conditions
- cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, neuromuscular disorders, genetic and metabolic disorders, brain tumours, down’s syndrome
Developmental Delay
- not reaching motor milestones
- Hearing and visual impairments
Torticollis/plagiocephaly
- asymmetry with head shape; head turning preference; neck tightness
Weakness and low muscle tone
- reduced balance; coordination
Infants born prematurely
Therapies & programs…
Clinic based therapy
Our clinic is purpose built with therapy rooms for babies and a larger gym space for our programs . We have all the toys to make our therapy fun whilst working towards your child’s goals.
Home visits
We are able to offer home visits to families who prefer therapy in their home.
Aquatic Physiotherapy
Aquatic physiotherapy is known to be evidence-based practice to improve developmental outcome in children with motor impairment and is an adjunct to land based therapy. It assists with improving strength, endurance and balance. Aquatic physiotherapy uses the principles of water such as buoyancy and resistance. Physiotherapists are required to have training and experience in aquatic therapy as they understand the benefits and implications of exercising in water. Therapy in water has many benefits to the child. It is fun and helps your child with water familiarization. It is an adjunct with land therapy Individual programs are designed specifically for your child and offered as 1:1 sessions. PaNDA for Kids offers aquatic physiotherapy with one of our trained physiotherapists in a local pool.
Community Visits
We work with your child in childcare, kinder, school and playgrounds as an extension of therapy to the child’s environment. Liaising with your child’s integration aids and educators in ensuring developmental goals are met as well as your child’s inclusion and participation with other children is an important part of their therapy.
NDIS Planning Assistance
We see babies and children with NDIS plans and can support families with ongoing reports for NDIS funding or initial reports for your first planning meeting.
Equipment Prescription/Trials
Some children may require equipment to help with sitting, standing or walking.
Our physiotherapists have experience in equipment prescription and collaborate with equipment providers.
Allied Health Assistant led Programs…
Our programs are lead by our Allied Health Assistant who works closely with your child’s physiotherapist. The aim is to progress gross motor skills within your child’s physiotherapy program to help your child’s confidence to integrate into preschool activities and community programs.
Motor Group Programs
Using a range of fun activities including sports skills development, music and dance this small group aims to work with your child physiotherapy program whilst also focusing on interaction, participation and social skills with other children of similar age and ability.
Swim Skills Program
Learning to swim is a skill that many children learn and is important on many levels. Our Swim Skills program aims to build your child’s confidence in the pool so they can safely and comfortably transition into group Learn To Swim lessons. This is a 1:1 session that focuses on the level of your child’s ability and goals.
What can you expect from PaNDA for kids…
Assessment
We use a range of standardized as well as observational assessments that help us determine what a child can and can’t do which assists with treatment planning and helps us to see progress. We listen to family’s concerns about their child’s motor skills and movement when planning intervention.
Goal Setting and Early Intervention
We work with families in setting goals based on assessments and what is important to you, for your child. Starting intervention early assists babies and children in achieving their potential in motor skills. Parent education is an important part of therapy and we work in partnership with families which ensures best outcome for your child. Parent education in positioning, play and handling their child is an important part of intervention.
Home Programs
Our physiotherapists will work with you to help you with a program that you can do with your child confidently at home. Programs can be developed and taught to child care, kindergarten and support workers to work towards your child’s goals. Parents will come away from our service with a program that they can do with their child confidently at home. Parents are supported and empowered to help their child toward’ s achieving goals.
Team work
We collaborate with your child’s medical and allied health practitioners in the community and hospital settings to ensure a holistic approach. We also work together with your child’s childcare, kinders and schools.
Evidence based Physiotherapy
Panda for Kids physiotherapists aim to deliver intervention that is based on scientific evidence, the clinician’s expertise and the client’s values. Our physiotherapists stay informed with up to date clinical knowledge, through professional development and connections with our professional organization. We have or in the process of studying for postgraduate qualifications. We are committed in providing physiotherapy services that is relevant and best practice and is meaningful to the child and their families for your child’s best outcome.
