Gross Motor Difficulties
Physiotherapy for children who find movement harder than expected — building strength, balance and coordination so they can keep up on the playground and move through life with confidence.
Some children take longer to walk, run, jump or climb. Some seem clumsy, fall often, or tire quickly. Some walk on their toes, have low muscle tone, or struggle to keep up with friends at the park. These are all forms of gross motor difficulty — and paediatric physiotherapy can help.
At Square One Therapy Hub, our physiotherapists assess how your child moves, identifies what's making it hard, and builds a fun, play-based programme that strengthens the right muscles and skills in the right order.
When to consider physiotherapy
- Delayed walking, running or jumping compared to peers
- Frequent tripping, falling or bumping into things
- Toe walking that persists past age 2–3
- Low muscle tone — floppy or tiring quickly
- Avoiding playground equipment, sports or physical play
- Difficulty with stairs, hopping, or balancing on one foot
- A diagnosed condition affecting movement (e.g. cerebral palsy, Down syndrome)
How we help
- Detailed gross motor and movement assessment
- Play-based therapy targeting strength, balance and coordination
- Gait analysis and walking retraining where needed
- Home exercise programmes that fit your family's routine
- School and preschool liaison for physical participation
- Coordination with OT for sensory and fine motor overlap
- Reports for NDIS, paediatricians and other professionals
What gross motor difficulties look like
Gross motor skills are the big movements — walking, running, jumping, kicking, climbing, balancing. When these are delayed or disordered, it affects not just physical ability but also confidence, social participation and willingness to try new activities.
We see children who are late to walk, who toe-walk persistently, who have low muscle tone (hypotonia), who are unusually clumsy, who struggle with playground equipment, or who avoid sports and physical play because it's hard.
How paediatric physio helps
Our physiotherapists use play-based, age-appropriate activities to build the strength, coordination and motor planning your child needs. Sessions might involve obstacle courses, balance games, ball skills, core strengthening and gait retraining — whatever matches your child's goals and interests.
We also give you a home programme so progress continues between sessions, and we liaise with preschools or schools where physical participation is a concern.
Working with OT for the full picture
Movement doesn't happen in isolation. Children with gross motor difficulties often also have sensory processing differences, attention challenges, or fine motor delays. Our physio and OT teams work together so your child gets coordinated support across all the areas that matter.
How our team supports this
Physiotherapy
Improve mobility and strength with personalised programmes designed for real-world function and sustainable results.
Explore serviceOccupational Therapy
Build independence and confidence in daily living skills with personalised strategies tailored to your individual goals and needs.
Explore serviceSchool Readiness Assessments
A multidisciplinary look at your child's academic, motor, social and self-care skills before they start Kindergarten — using the Bracken (BSRA-4) and PDMS-3.
Explore serviceCommon questions from families
Does my child need a diagnosis to see a physio?
No. Many children come without a diagnosis — just a concern that they're not moving as expected. We assess and treat based on what we see, not what they're labelled.
At what age should I be concerned if my child isn't walking?
Most children walk independently by 12–15 months. If your child isn't walking by 18 months, or you have earlier concerns about movement, it's worth an assessment. Early support can prevent compensatory patterns that become harder to shift later.
Is toe walking something to worry about?
Occasional toe walking is normal in toddlers. Persistent toe walking past age 2–3, or toe walking that is getting tighter, can lead to shortened calf muscles and balance issues — and responds well to early physio intervention.
Can my child do physio and OT at the same clinic?
Yes — and many do. We coordinate goals between physio and OT so your child gets consistent, integrated support rather than competing programmes.
How is paediatric physiotherapy funded?
Most commonly through NDIS (self- or plan-managed), Medicare CDM referrals, private health rebates or private pay. We'll talk you through the right option on a free 15-minute call.
Ready to Start Your Therapy Journey?
Speak directly with our director — no obligation, just a friendly chat about how we can help.