Children’s Musculoskeletal Outpatient Service
We provide a specialist physiotherapy service to children and young people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
We have an extensive understanding of child development and childhood conditions, including developmental, neurological and musculoskeletal problems.
Our aim is to help children maximise their ability and promote recovery, following illness, disability or injury. We help to enhance and restore ability through physical activity such as exercise and movement, as well as providing specialist advice and resources.
What we can provide:
- Physiotherapy assessment and treatment
- Access to specialist facilities, if appropriate, such as aquatic therapy
- Physiotherapy input in a variety of settings, based on the child’s needs, including at home, nursery or school
- Specialist training and advice for parents, carers and those involved with your child
- Assessment for and provision of specialist physiotherapy equipment when required
- Collaborative working with other professionals in health, education and social care
What to expect from your Paediatric Physiotherapist?
Initially, we will need to complete an assessment of your child or young person, based on the reason for their referral. This includes gathering information from parents or legal guardians and other sources. We may need to conduct a physical observation and examination, looking at the child’s strength and co-ordination, motor development, posture, balance, function and abilities.
Following an assessment, a decision will be made as to whether the child or young person may benefit from an episode of Physiotherapy care. Together we will discuss treatment options and agree clear, realistic therapy goals. It is important that parents/legal guardians are motivated and involved with delivering and encouraging their child to do their Physiotherapy programme.
This may include activities, specific exercises or advice to be implemented at home, school or nursery.
We provide Physiotherapy assessment and treatment in episodes of care. This means that following a course of Physiotherapy input, they will be discharged. If your child requires further Physiotherapy input at a later date, they can be re-referred, or self-refer back to the Physiotherapy service
Referrals
A healthcare professional can refer you following an assessment, for example your GP, Health Visitor or an Occupational Therapist.
Community Physiotherapy services are usually delivered Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Self-referrals
You can refer your child to this service by phoning us on 02921 836908.
Physiotherapy Administration Centre
Woodland House
Maes-Y-Coed Rd
Cardiff CF14
Tel: 02921 836908
Useful websites
Gympanzee
Ideas for children with a variety of needs, including wheelchair users
Scope
Disability equality charity
Starting Blocs
Exercise ideas and general activities for children
Steps Worldwide
Information on a range of childrens orthopaedic conditions
Versus Arthritis
Arthritis information support website
Families First
Funding to local authorities to improve outcomes for children, young people and families
The Index
The Vale of Glamorgan's voluntary register of children and young people with disabilities or additional needs.