Our Services
Infant & Paediatric Physiotherapy Northern Rivers
Supporting little ones from the very beginning — gentle, play-based therapy designed around your child's world.
About the service
What is paediatric physiotherapy?
Paediatric physiotherapy focuses on the physical development, movement and function of babies, children and adolescents. A paediatric physiotherapist assesses how your child moves, identifies any difficulties, and works with your family to support their development through targeted, play-based therapy.
Unlike adult physiotherapy, paediatric sessions are designed around a child's world — using games, toys and movement activities to build strength, coordination, balance and confidence. Therapy is always age-appropriate and guided by your child's interests. Kids are not just "little adults", they move differently, develop differently and require the understanding of therapists that have undergone additional training to understand these differences.
At Prince Lane Allied Health, we take a family-centred approach. We work closely with parents and carers to set meaningful goals, build therapy into everyday routines, and ensure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Play-based · Family-centred · Evidence-informed
Is this right for my child?
Who can benefit from paediatric physiotherapy?
Paediatric physiotherapy can support children of all ages — from newborns through to teenagers. You might consider a referral or self-referral if you have concerns regarding your child's:
You do not need a referral to book an appointment. If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is right for your child, contact us and we will discuss whether it is appropriate to come in for an assessment.
What we treat
Conditions we support
Your first visit
What happens during an assessment?
Your child's first appointment is an initial assessment. This is a relaxed, unhurried session where we get to know your child and your family's goals.
A conversation with you
We start by hearing from you — your concerns, your child's history, and what you are hoping to achieve. You know your child best, and your observations are central to our assessment.
Observing your child
We observe how your child moves, plays and interacts in a natural, low-pressure way. For younger children this often looks like play. For older children it may include specific movement tasks.
Hands-on assessment
Where appropriate, we assess muscle tone, strength, flexibility, posture and coordination. We use standardised assessments alongside clinical observation to build a full picture.
Goal setting and planning
We discuss our findings with you, answer your questions, and work together to set meaningful goals. We then develop a therapy plan that fits your child's needs and your family's life.
Bring any previous reports, referrals or NDIS plan documents to your first appointment. It helps us understand your child and work with their current team to work towards the same goals.
Where we see your child
What locations can we support your little one at?
We understand that getting to a clinic with a young child is not always easy. That is why we offer a range of service settings to suit your family.
In clinic
Our Ballina and Murwillumbah clinics are welcoming, child-friendly spaces fully equipped for paediatric physiotherapy.
Home visits
We come to you. Home visits allow therapy to happen in your child's natural environment, which can be particularly valuable for young children and those with complex needs.
School & kindergarten visits
We can visit your child at their school or early childhood setting, working alongside educators to support their participation and physical goals.
Aquatic therapy
Hydrotherapy sessions are available at pool facilities in Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Ballina and Goonellabah. Water-based therapy is particularly beneficial for children with neurological conditions, low tone or movement difficulties.
Telehealth
Telehealth appointments are available for families across Australia. Ideal for home exercise program reviews, consultations and families in rural or remote areas.
Collaborative care
How does physiotherapy fit in your health team?
Children with complex needs often work with a range of health professionals. Physiotherapy works best when it is part of a coordinated team approach.
Paediatrician
Your paediatrician oversees your child's overall medical care and may refer to physiotherapy as part of a broader management plan.
Occupational therapist
OTs focus on fine motor skills, sensory processing and daily living activities. Physio and OT often work hand-in-hand for children with developmental conditions.
Speech pathologist
For children with complex conditions, speech pathology and physiotherapy may address overlapping goals around posture, feeding and communication.
GP
Your GP can provide a referral for Medicare-funded sessions (EPC plan) and is an important part of your child's primary care team.
NDIS support coordinator
If your child has an NDIS plan, your support coordinator can help you access physiotherapy under Support Category 15 — Improved Daily Living.
Early childhood educators
We work collaboratively with teachers and educators to support your child's physical participation and goals within their learning environment.
We are happy to liaise with your child's other health professionals and contribute to reports, team meetings and NDIS reviews where needed.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Referring a patient
Make a referral
Referring a patient or client to our paediatric physiotherapy service is straightforward. We welcome referrals from GPs, paediatricians, allied health professionals, NDIS coordinators and families.
Contact us
Call or email us with your patient's details and reason for referral. We will confirm availability and discuss the most appropriate service setting.
Send your referral
Email your referral letter to [email protected]. Include relevant history, reports and any NDIS plan details if applicable.
We will be in touch
We contact the family directly to arrange an appointment. We will keep you informed of progress with frequent communication and can contribute to reports and team meetings as needed.