Experienced Paediatric Physiotherapy in Ipswich

The team joining us in Ipswich

Two experienced paediatric physiotherapists are joining Access to Therapy as part of the Robertson Road rooms becoming ours.

Lisa Blackburn is an APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist — a credential awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association that relatively few physiotherapists hold, and one that is specific to working with children. She has over twenty years with children and families across public, not-for-profit and private settings, including daycares, hospitals and community health. Her particular interests are developmental paediatrics from prematurity through to preschool age, and Developmental Coordination Disorder across the lifespan. She also completes motor proficiency assessments for NDIS and other diagnostic purposes.

Julia Beck graduated in physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in 1989 and has worked across Disability Services Queensland, Education Queensland, St Andrews Hospital and private practice. Her focus is orthopaedic, neurological and complex disability needs in children.

We say this plainly because it is unusual: a lot of paediatric physiotherapy in this region is delivered by generalists or by early-career clinicians rotating through. Experience matters most in the cases where the answer is not obvious.

What we see children for

In the words parents actually use, with the clinical term alongside.

Walking on tiptoes (toe walking) — whether it is a habit, a tight calf, or a sign of something else.
A flat or misshapen head (plagiocephaly) — positioning, tummy time, and when a referral is warranted.
A tight neck, head always turned one way (torticollis) — very often paired with head shape.
Not walking yet (gross motor delay) — the single most common reason families ring us.
A clumsy child (Developmental Coordination Disorder) — trips, drops things, cannot catch, struggles with a bike.
Bendy joints (joint hypermobility) — fatigue, pain after activity, poor endurance.
Floppy or low tone (hypotonia) — sitting late, W-sitting, tiring quickly.
Sitting in a W shape — what it means and when it matters.
Cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions — see our cerebral palsy page.
Heel and knee pain in older children — Sever’s disease, Osgood-Schlatter, and sport-related injuries.

If what you are noticing is not on that list, ring and describe it. Parents are usually right that something is different, even when they cannot name it.

When to get it looked at

There is no prize for waiting, and no harm in being told everything is fine. The things worth a conversation sooner rather than later:

A baby who strongly prefers turning their head one way, or has a flattening on one side
A child not walking independently by around 18 months
Toe walking that persists past about two, or that is only on one side
A child who avoids physical play, or is notably behind their peers at it
Pain, limping, or a change in how your child moves
Anything that has gone backwards rather than forwards

A one-sided finding — one leg, one arm, one side of the head — is always worth checking promptly.

Where we see children

In our Raceview rooms at 55 Robertson Road
In our Springfield clinic
At home
At daycare, kindy or school
In the community
Online, across Australia

How funding works with us

Plan-managed NDIS — yes. Your plan manager pays our invoices.
Self-managed NDIS — yes.
Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) — no. We are not a registered NDIS provider.
Private — yes, and many physiotherapy families are. Some have a Medicare rebate available through their GP, and private health extras often cover paediatric physiotherapy.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a paediatric physiotherapist?

No. You can book directly with us. A GP referral is only needed for certain Medicare pathways, and private health extras generally do not require one either. If a referral would get you a rebate, we will tell you.

My GP said my child will grow out of it. Should I still come?

Often they are right, and we will say so if we agree. But “grow out of it” is a prediction, not an examination, and some of the things children are said to grow out of — persistent toe walking, significant hypermobility, a one-sided head preference — do better with early help. An appointment either reassures you properly or finds something worth acting on.

Is this the same as the physio I see for my back?

No. Paediatric physiotherapy is its own area of practice, which is what the APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist credential recognises. A child’s musculoskeletal system is still forming, their motivation works completely differently, and most of the work happens through play rather than instruction.

Ready to find out whether we are the right fit?

We’ll partner with you to create a plan that works for your family — with access, empathy and hope.

Request an appointment Children’s physiotherapy

Or call 0480 841 300 · hello@accesstotherapy.com.au

Experienced paediatric physiotherapy in Ipswich