Community Paediatric Physiotherapy Service

Welcome to South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust Paediatric Physiotherapy Team.

Physiotherapists aim to facilitate optimum independence and quality of life in children who have been affected by illness, injury or disability through movement and exercise, education and advice. Physiotherapists enable and encourage development and facilitate recovery.

We work with children aged 0-19 years (16 if referred via GP) with musculoskeletal conditions, complex neurodisability and neurodevelopmental concerns.

Our Team

Our team is made up of Specialist Physiotherapists, Technical Instructors and Physiotherapy Assistants who work with children; we have expert knowledge and skills to deliver appropriate care and education to encourage family involvement.

Clinical Team Leaders
Sunderland: Allison Galloway
South Tyneside: Vicky Mercer/Mel Hurst

How We Can Help

Children’s physiotherapists treat babies, children and young people with a wide range of conditions. Physiotherapy input is based upon the assessment of the child’s needs.

For example;

Frequently Seen Conditions:
Physiotherapy would usually be beneficial for the conditions outlined below and we would advise you to contact a health professional regarding referral into our service.
-   Developmental Delay
-   Disordered Development
-   Toe Walking
-   Erb’s Palsy
-   Torticollis & Plagiocephaly - View the APCP leaflet here.
-   Perthe’s Disease
-   Symptomatic Hypermobility - View the APCP leaflet here.
-   Osgood Schlatters - View the APCP leaflet here.
-   Sever’s Disease
-   Back Pain

Typical Development:
Physiotherapy is not usually required for the following; however, should you have further concerns please do not hesitate to contact a health professional.
-   Flat Feet - View the APCP leaflet here.
-   ‘Knock Knees’
-   Bowing Legs
-   In Toeing - View the APCP leaflet here.
-   Out Toeing
-   Growing Pains

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Physiotherapy together with the Occupational Therapy service offer a joint assessment service for children suspected to have a movement difficulty. If your child meets the criteria for this pathway, they will undergo assessment to see if they meet the criteria for a diagnosis of DCD. Whether a diagnosis is or is not appropriate, therapy services will identify any appropriate problem lists and functional goals that help your child with activities of daily living and experiencing success.