We provide specialist physiotherapy assessments and interventions for children and young people from birth to 18 years, or 19 if in full-time education, with an identified or suspected movement or developmental problem.
We work closely with colleagues within the Integrated Community Paediatric Service (ICPS) such as occupational therapists and speech and language therapists in a variety of settings e.g. home, school, nursery, community clinics and children’s centres. We also work closely with our colleagues in the acute hospital setting, in social care and in education.
Our physiotherapists have specialist knowledge of children’s conditions, growth and physical development. The team also includes physiotherapy technicians and assistants who work under their supervision.
We support children and young people with a range of conditions, including:
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophies
Spina bifida
Down’s syndrome
Developmental delay
Suspected neurological movement disorders
Premature birth or low birth weight
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis or cancer care in the community.
These referrals should be directed to the acute children's physiotherapy services at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) or East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
Contact the children's physiotherapy team
Child Health Centre, Bury St Edmunds: 01284 741786
When a referral is accepted we aim to see all children for an initial assessment within 18 weeks. Children or young people who are prioritised as having an urgent need will be seen within 2-6 weeks.
Your child could be seen in a health centre or community centre across the county or at their school, nursery or home; whichever is most appropriate.
We will listen to your concerns and ask questions about your child's development
We will then examine your child through a combination of observation and handling and undertake any relevant assessments
The physiotherapist will explain what they are doing throughout
The physiotherapist will then explain their assessment findings and answer any questions/concerns you may have
We will then agree with you how to manage your child's needs. This may be advice only or exercise/activity prescription. Specialist equipment may be recommended or provided and onward referral will be made where appropriate to other specialist services.
We do not accept referrals for children and young people with the following conditions:
Musculoskeletal conditions
Cystic fibrosis or other respiratory conditions
Congenital talipes equinovarus
Torticollis
Developmental dysplasia of the hip
Positional talipes
Obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Children receiving active cancer treatment
Chronic fatigue
Functional disorders or chronic pain syndromes
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
community and hospital consultants
General Practitioners (GPs)
school and community nurses
occupational therapists
speech and language therapists
health visitors
family support practitioners
We welcome your comments, compliments and suggestions.
If you have any queries or concerns with any aspect of your child's care that cannot be resolved with your clinician please contact the team leader.
