At Physikids absolutely believe children will only ever perform at their maximum ability when the exercise is fun and focused on their particular interests.
We pride ourselves on being able to connect with children, discover their interests and employ these to ensure they reach their maximum potential.
This belief guides our tailored ‘PhysiKids’ programmes ensuring they fully focus on the individual needs of every child we work with.
I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy. Since this time I have worked in the NHS, primarily as a Paediatric Physiotherapist. Currently, I am the Paediatric Physiotherapy Service Lead for a large teaching hospital in the North West of England. I also teach on the paediatric module at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Physikids was founded in 2012, and since its inception, it has striven to provide comprehensive, expert paediatric assessment, treatment and management for babies, children and young adults in the North West of England.
In 2016, I completed an MSc degree at the University of Central Lancashire writing a paper on the effects of electrical stimulation on spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy. This paper has subsequently been submitted for journal publication. I have completed numerous post-graduate training courses, including postural management, tone management, sign language and Kinesiotape.
I am a member of Health Care Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
My particular interest is in treatment following Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. I have had significant successes working with children following this surgery, facilitating them to stand independently, move more efficiently and take their first unaided steps. Providing therapy following this surgery is exhilarating as a therapist, guiding children to achieve their goals and attain levels of function that would have been previously impossible.
If you feel our PhysiKids programme could help your child or a child you know, or if you have any questions regarding our work, please don't hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to assisting your child and family to achieve a new lease of life and freedom.
Cerebral palsy is the name used for a group of permanent movement disorders. These disorders usually appear in early childhood, though the symptoms and signs will vary among people. Though Cerebral Palsy can be defined, having Cerebral Palsy does not define the person that has the condition. Cerebral Palsy affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning. There may be further problems experienced with things like hearing, speaking, vision, and sensation. Abnormal development or damage to the brain can cause CP. While there is no cure there are many different types of therapy that may help sufferers.
Muscular dystrophy is used to refer to a group of muscle diseases which, over time, lead to the weakening and breakdown of skeletal muscles. For a lot of those suffering, it leads to them being unable to walk and can sometimes cause problems with other body organs. There are over thirty specific types of muscular dystrophy, meaning that the cause differs for each. There is no cure for MD, but things like corrective surgery, braces, and physiotherapy can help to alleviate some of the symptoms experienced by sufferers.
An acquired brain injury is an injury to a child's brain that can occur at any stage following birth. Methods of injury may include trauma, stroke or brain illness. Unlike most other cells in the body, brain cells do not regenerate when they are destroyed. However, this does not mean that no recovery can occur. The brain is somewhat flexible and is able to reorganize itself, to an extent, in order to regain lost function. This is known as brain 'plasticity'. As such acquired brain injuries can lead to temporary or permanent changes in functioning and a child or young person may show physical symptoms, emotional changes, cognitive difficulties or behavioural impairments.
Physiotherapy is a vital aspect of a child's rehabilitation following an acquired brain injury. Addressing any loss of muscle strength or range of movement, helping influence any changes in muscle tone, regaining normal patterns of movement and maximise your child's functional independence.
A chromosome abnormality is known by a number of different names. Some might describe it as a chromosome anomaly, aberration, or mutation. This means that there might be extra, irregular, or missing chromosomal DNA. It usually happens when there is an error in cell division. They can be categorised into two different groups: structural anomalies (such as Jacobsen syndrome) and numerical anomalies (such as Down Syndrome). These abnormalities can be inherited, but it is also possible that they occur after the point of conception.
Children can either be born with problems with their bones and muscles or they can develop problems as their skeletons grow. Trauma/injury is another common reason for bone/muscle problems. These problems can cause restrictions in joint movements, reduced muscle strength, pain, and altered function. Physiotherapy can help resolve all of these symptoms. Examples of orthopaedic conditions we offer specialist paediatric assessment and management for are:
Physiotherapy for kids
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