Children's Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy
What we do
Our children's musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy team assess and treat children with conditions that affect growing bones and muscles.
This service is for children and young people, age 0-16 years, who are able to attend an outpatient hospital setting.
For children who need to be seen outside of the hospital, see our Children's Community Physiotherapy team.
Common conditions we treat include:
growth-related conditions, such as Osgood Schlatters, Sever’s
bone or soft tissue injuries
general muscle and joint aches and pain.
We also provide specialist clinics for complex patients, led by our Advanced Practice Physiotherapists (APP). These include:
specialist investigation in general MSK clinics
Ponseti clinic for children born with structural foot problems
Baby/under 5's clinic for specialist care of infants with conditions affecting their hips, feet, head and neck.
About your appointment
If you are under the age of 16 you must be accompanied by an adult with parental responsibility for at least your first appointment.
Your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your injury/problem and how you are feeling. Then they will usually examine the affected area.
Your physiotherapist will work out a treatment plan with you and you can ask questions.
Your physiotherapist will let you know if you need another appointment.
What to wear
Your physiotherapist may need you to undress to your underwear to be able to fully assess the affected area or problem. For your first assessment we suggest you wear:
loose comfortable clothing
underwear.
You may wish to bring a pair of shorts or vest with you to change in to.
About your treatment
We offer treatments including:
home exercise programme, including stretching and muscle strengthening
education on conditions, and advice on self-management
core stability and balance work
gait re-education
sport specific rehabilitation
specific therapeutic exercises and posture education
gym groups in our hospital gym
aquatic therapy in a small heated pool
serial casting – calf muscle stretches using plaster casts.
Where to find us
Our services take place in the outpatient physiotherapy department at the following hospitals:
Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.
How to use this service
Please speak to your child's GP, health visitor or consultant if you would like to use our service.