Please note: This website is best viewed in a modern browser like Chrome, Edge or Firefox. We no longer support Internet Explorer 11.

Children's Physiotherapy

Children's Physiotherapy

The Physiotherapy Service for Children are now offering face to face appointments at West Ham Lane Health Centre & Appleby Health Centre, as well as completing home / school visits when required. We will be following NHS England Guidelines on social distancing and therapists will continue to wear PPE during clinic appointments. We kindly ask that only 1 family member attend our clinic appointments. We would like to thank you for your continued co-operation and patience during these uncertain times.

Two children playing with toys

Address

West Ham Lane Health Centre
84 West Ham Lane,
Stratford, London  E15 4PT

Phone

0208 586 6380

Who we are

The Children’s Physiotherapy Team provide a child centred service to children who are registered with a Newham GP, under the age of 18, and who have a physical disability, condition or concern that impacts on their development and functional daily activities at home or in school. Sometimes only one appointment is needed and sometimes we are involved with the child until adulthood.

A children’s physiotherapist has an understanding of:

  • child development
  • childhood diseases and conditions that may impact on development and well being
  • therapeutic interventions that enable and optimise development and well being
  • the need to place the child at the centre of planning
  • the impact that having a sick or disabled child has on family life
  • how to keep children safe
  • how to ensure that children and young people make choices
  • how to develop their own skills and practice
  • how to develop services in line with Government guidance committed to improving quality and life chances for children

What we do?

We assess and treat to promote independence and help every child achieve their physical potential. We see children in clinic, in their homes, at schools/nurseries and children’s centres depending on the needs of the child and family. We are also now able to offer appointments via video and telephone consultations. 

Our treatment is based upon an assessment of the child’s needs. This may include:

  • advice, reassurance and recommendations
  • personalised activity or exercise programmes
  • positioning and handling
  • providing specialist equipment
  • serial casting and orthotics 
  • referrals to other Professionals

Who do we see?

We see children who are registered with a Newham GP and aged up to 18 years old. There are many children who may benefit from physiotherapy with a huge range of problems or conditions.

The most common conditions we treat are:

  • Neurological conditions e.g. cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or stroke 
  • Neuromuscular conditions e.g. muscular dystrophy
  • high risk infants due to traumatic birth history or prematurity, 
  • Syndromes and metabolic diseases e.g. Down syndrome
  • Congenital abnormalities e.g. talipes, torticollis, spina bifida
  • Delayed motor skills e.g. rolling, crawling, sitting, walking
  • Concerns with walking or posture and developmental variations 
  • Community rehabilitation following planned hospital admission or surgery
  • Rheumatological conditions for community access needs 
  • Musculoskeletal concerns under the age of 10

Locations

We are based at West Ham Lane Health Centre and hold clinics at Appleby Health Centre. The physiotherapists will also be able to see allocated children at resource based schools if required. 

Address for Appleby Health Centre: 63 Appleby Road, London E16 1LQ

Click here for information on how to refer to our service.

 

Address:
West Ham Lane Health Centre
84 West Ham Lane,
Stratford,
E15 4PT

Telephone: 0208 586 6380

Email: children.physiotherapy@nhs.net

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Your child's first physiotherapy appointment will involve a thorough examination to establish how physiotherapy might be able to help. Initially, we will ask you various questions. You will be asked about your child's development, any medication they may be taking, how they are managing at school, their abilities and difficulties, any pain there are suffering from. Your child will be involved as much as possible in these discussions.

Your child will then need to be appropriately undressed for the physical examination. This is important in order to check ranges of movements and see how your child moves. They may prefer to wear shorts.

Once the physiotherapist has assessed your child, they will discuss their findings with you and together establish a plan for your child's treatment if this is required. This may include what we can do to help you and what you and your child can do at home to continue the treatment. You will always have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

Our team is made up of specialist and highly specialist children's physiotherapists, a physiotherapy assistant registered with the HCPC (The Health and Care Professions Council) and members of the APCP (Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapist). We are all supported by an administrator. 

 

Our Physiotherapists

The physiotherapy department work within a larger Specialist Children's and Young People's Services. Our external professional partners within Health, Social Care and Education include the following: 

Health

Social Care

Education

Please see our YouTube videos for further guidance for orthotics and leg gaiters.

 

 

ELFT Growing Pains in Children - NEW.docx
ELFT Children with Bendy Joints - NEW (1).docx
ELFT ASD Toe Walking in Autism -NEW.docx
Disability Sport in Newham leaflet - NEW.docx
APCP Awake Time Ideas Leaflet.pdf
APCP CHoosing Footwear for Children Leaflet.pdf
APCP Choosing the Right School Bag Leaflet (1) (1).pdf
APCP Down Syndrome Leaflet.pdf
APCP Flat Feet in Children Leaflet.pdf
APCP Head Turning Preference and Plagiocephaly Leaflet.pdf
APCP Intoeing Gait Leaflet.pdf
APCP Promoting Physical Development Lying to Sitting Leaflet.pdf
APCP Symptomatic Hypermobility Leaflet.pdf