Paediatric Physiotherapy for Gross Motor Difficulties in Kogarah
Paediatric physiotherapy for gross motor difficulties at our Kogarah clinic — for families across St George and the Sutherland Shire.
Our physiotherapists assess how your child moves, work out what's making it hard, and build a fun, play-based programme that strengthens the right muscles and skills in the right order — in a Kogarah clinic with a dedicated physio gym and climbing room.
We see children from Hurstville, Rockdale, Bexley, Carlton, Allawah and Beverley Park, and from across the Sutherland Shire.
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.
Toe walking is one of the most common movement patterns parents ask us about — read our physiotherapist's guide to toe walking in toddlers. For older children and teenagers, we also explain how strength training for adolescents builds the power and coordination behind everyday movement.
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
Strength, balance and coordination for the playground, sport and keeping up with friends.
Explore serviceOccupational Therapy
Everyday skills — dressing, handwriting, play, coping with change — built around what your child wants to do.
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
Which areas do you see children from?
Our Kogarah clinic at 4 Short Street has free on-site parking and is a five-minute walk from Kogarah station. Families come from across St George — Hurstville, Rockdale, Bexley, Carlton, Allawah — and from the Sutherland Shire.
Do I need a referral to see a paediatric physiotherapist?
No. You can book directly. A GP referral is only needed to claim under a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan.
How does NDIS funding work for physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy usually sits under Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living. We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants.
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 get started?
Speak directly with our director. No obligation — just a chat about how we can help.
Free call-backs and discovery calls are with our director, subject to availability, one per family, with no ongoing commitment.