Question 1

When should I take my child to see a paediatric physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

At Shine Bright Physiotherapy, we trust a parent's gut instinct about their child’s development. If you have a concern about your child or feel their development is not typical in some way, it is best to seek a professional opinion. Early intervention is essential to provide children with a better chance of resolving developmental issues.

Refer to the "Our Services" tab on our webpage to view a comprehensive list of services Shine Bright Physiotherapy offers and some reasons you might engage a paediatric physiotherapist for your child.

Question 2

What types of developmental concerns or missed milestones can be addressed at Shine Bright Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Delayed milestone achievement can be worrying, but Shine Bright Physiotherapy can help. Our experienced physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your baby to identify any underlying issues contributing to the delay. We specialise in addressing a range of developmental concerns, such as atypical muscle tone (unusually floppy or tense bodies), discomfort during tummy time, intolerance to hands or feet being touched, and delayed fine motor skills (pincer grip, reach and grasp skills and unusual hand posturing).

Once the assessment is complete, we will create a tailored treatment plan designed specifically for your baby's needs. We provide parents with the tools to support their baby's global development at home and as part of their everyday routine.

If indicated, our Physiotherapist will refer a child onto a paediatrician or a specific allied health discipline to assist in the best care of the child. When appropriate, we are able to connect families to the Women's and Children's Hospital or Port Lincoln Health Service for acute care needs.

Refer to the "Baby Clinic" tab on our webpage to view a comprehensive list of services the Shine Bright Baby Clinic offers and some reasons you might engage a paediatric physiotherapist for your baby.

Question 3

What can I expect from the initial appointment at Shine Bright Physiotherapy for my child?

Accepted Answer

During your first appointment with Shine Bright Physiotherapy, our physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your child. This will include:

1. Verbal Assessment: A casual conversation about your main concerns and relevant history to get a complete picture of your child's situation.

2. Physical Assessment: Observation and evaluation of your child's movement patterns to identify any issues that could benefit from therapy.

3. Formal Assessments: If needed, formal assessments are completed to better understand your child's development for their age. These assessments can provide an accurate representation of your child's development against age norms and provide a percentile ranking to track developmental progress.

By the end of the appointment, we create a personalised treatment plan to enhance your child's life through meaningful movement, addressing both short and long term goals.

Question 4

What information should I provide and what should my child bring to their initial appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is helpful to be prepared with background information on your child's early development, including any pregnancy or birth complications, milestones (rolling, sitting, walking, talking etc.), and medical history. It is encouraged that the child brings a favourite toy or comforter to the session to help them feel comfortable and engaged.

Question 5

What is the benefit of a community therapy session, verses a clinic session?

Accepted Answer

At Shine Bright Physiotherapy, we encourage therapy to be delivered in a child's everyday environment (home, school, playground etc.) to make it more meaningful and purposeful. Goal-specific therapy helps children practice specific tasks to achieve their unique goals. Conducting therapy in a familiar setting helps to integrate therapy into daily routines, enhancing functional independence, enjoyment and goal attainment.

For example, if a child has a goal to swing on the monkey bars, Shine Bright Physiotherapy will organise therapy to occur at a playground so the child can practising the skill of the monkey bars. Additional upper limb strength, coordination and hand grip exercises would also be included in a therapy session to achieve this goal.

Baby Clinic appointments work best at home. This enables your baby to feel safe and comfortable in a familiar environment, and for the parent to feel at ease knowing all their baby essentials are on hand and ready to go in case of the next poo explosion, spew or cry for milk.

Clinic appointments can be arranged on request.

Question 6

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist at Shine Bright Physiotherapy. We do, however, welcome referrals from other health professionals, educators and paediatricians and encourage you to bring these along to your first appointment or send through in advance to help us better understand your child's presentation and therapy needs.

Question 7

How long is a typical physiotherapy session?

Accepted Answer

Most appointments for children take an hour for comprehensive care. For orthopaedic or less complex conditions, a 30-45-minute subsequent session may be appropriate. Your Physiotherapist will discuss and recommend the best appointment duration for your child's needs after their initial consultation.

Question 8

Can I used my private health insurance for appointments with Shine Bright Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most private health insurance extras cover will include Physiotherapy, however, the level of cover will depend on your policy. Please check with your provider before your appointment for coverage details.

You will need to claim your health fund rebate directly with your health fund. Shine Bright Physiotherapy is unable to do this on your behalf.

Question 9

Does Shine Bright Physiotherapy provide support to children funded by the NDIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Shine Bright Physiotherapy is qualified to see plan-managed or self-managed children under the NDIS. The majority of our client's are NDIS funded and we specialise in developmental and disability care.

Question 10

Can Shine Bright Physiotherapy help my child apply for the NDIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Shine Bright Physiotherapy supports children in applying for the NDIS by conducting assessments, generating reports and supporting parents to advocate for their child's therapeutic needs. Our team can also support families to develop appropriative NDIS developmental goals in preparation for meetings with the NDIS.

Frequently Asked Questions