Early Years Physiotherapy

Early Years Physiotherapy Early Years Physio is a paediatric intervention service helping children of all ages and abilities

“My baby hates tummy time” is one of the most common concerns we hear in practice.Tummy time is a learned motor skill th...
31/03/2026

“My baby hates tummy time” is one of the most common concerns we hear in practice.

Tummy time is a learned motor skill that requires strength, postural control and tolerance to a new position. For many babies, this takes time. Tummy time can be very hard work. 👶

Short, frequent exposures, supported positions (including tummy time on a parent), and gradual progression are often more effective than long sessions on the floor. It is never a good idea to push through lots of crying when learning the skills of tummy time.

If your baby becomes distressed, adjust the position, support the movement, and try again later.

And remember, if you are not sure if your baby’s movement patterns are ‘normal’ or if you think you might need some help to support their development, we are always here to help.

30/03/2026

As we head into the cooler months, our Serial Casting Program is returning.

Serial casting is a specialised, non-invasive intervention we offer to support children with reduced ankle range, toe walking and calf tightness.

It involves the careful application of a well-padded plaster or fibreglass cast to gradually improve joint alignment and increase range of motion over time. Casts are changed at regular intervals, with each position gently progressing toward a more optimal alignment.

When clinically indicated, serial casting may assist with:

✨ Reducing soft tissue contracture
✨ Improving ankle range and muscle length
✨ Optimising standing alignment and balance
✨ Supporting more efficient walking patterns
✨ Potentially reducing the need for more invasive interventions

At Early Years, our established serial casting program works collaboratively with your child’s medical team to ensure safe, coordinated care. Jacqui and Dominic have undertaken advanced training in the United States in the management of paediatric foot and ankle conditions using serial casting.

If you’re wondering whether this approach may be appropriate for your child, we’re always happy to talk through options.

My baby only wants to stand” is a common concern, particularly in babies who are strong and curious.Standing can feel ea...
27/03/2026

My baby only wants to stand” is a common concern, particularly in babies who are strong and curious.

Standing can feel easier and more familiar than floor-based movement, especially if a baby has limited experience with transitions like rolling, crawling or moving in and out of sitting.

While standing is an important skill, it doesn’t replace the foundational movements that support balance, coordination and long-term motor development.

Encouraging a variety of floor positions and transitions throughout the day helps build the skills that make standing and walking more efficient and confident over time.

And remember, If you’re unsure whether your baby’s movement patterns are ‘normal’, or if you think you might need support with their gross motor development, we are always here to help.

Catherine is our Allied Health Assistant here at Early Years, supporting our physiotherapists and helping children gain ...
25/03/2026

Catherine is our Allied Health Assistant here at Early Years, supporting our physiotherapists and helping children gain the most from their sessions.

After completing her Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance in 2020, Catherine has been dedicated to creating a welcoming and encouraging environment in clinic. Whether she’s assisting within therapy sessions or helping behind the scenes with administration, she plays an important role in keeping everything running smoothly.

Certified in Reformer and Mat Pilates, Catherine also supports structured exercise programs within the clinic, helping children build strength and confidence in a supportive setting.

Since starting her own family, Catherine has developed a deep appreciation for helping children work through their challenges and enjoy everyday movement. Her warm, friendly nature ensures families feel comfortable and supported throughout their time with us.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Catherine exploring rock pools with her children or enjoying the beautiful creeks around the Gold Coast.

We’re so grateful to have her as part of the Early Years team 🤍

23/03/2026

Activities to try at home from the Early Years Physio Team.

A simple hop, jump and land game, like hopscotch, is a great way to support lower body strength and coordination.

Jumping activities help build leg strength, improve balance and coordination, and support bone strength as children grow.

To increase the challenge, try:
* Changing the pattern each round
* Adding a “freeze” moment mid-game
* Including a cognitive task, such as counting backwards from 10
* Naming animals that start with a specific letter while jumping

Adding small variations can gently increase the physical and thinking demands, while keeping the activity playful and engaging.

Save this one to try later 🤍

Noticing a flat spot on your baby’s head can feel worrying at first, but it’s something we see quite often in the early ...
20/03/2026

Noticing a flat spot on your baby’s head can feel worrying at first, but it’s something we see quite often in the early months. 👶

Because babies spend a lot of time on their backs for safe sleep, it’s common for them to develop a preference for turning their head one way. Over time, this repeated pressure can influence head shape.

The earlier we look at it, the more we can guide you. Sometimes it’s simply about encouraging more varied movement throughout the day. In other cases, there may be some mild neck tightness that we can gently work through.

Small, consistent changes at home can make a meaningful difference and they don’t need to feel overwhelming.

If you’d like support navigating this stage, our Nurture & Move baby physio group is designed to provide reassurance, practical guidance and a space to ask questions.

✨ For pre-crawling babies
✨ Thursday mornings
✨ One complimentary trial session
✨ Private health rebates may apply

Bookings are essential. Message our team to reserve your place 💛

Babywearing can be a beautiful way to stay connected while keeping your hands free. It allows for movement, closeness an...
18/03/2026

Babywearing can be a beautiful way to stay connected while keeping your hands free. It allows for movement, closeness and even gentle “beginner tummy time” while you go about your day.

But positioning matters.

Following the TICKS principles helps ensure your baby is supported safely:

✅ Tight – The carrier should hold your baby snugly against you
✅ In view at all times – You should always be able to see your baby’s face
✅ Close enough to kiss – Baby should sit high on your chest
✅ Keep chin off the chest – Their airway must remain open
✅ Supported back – Baby’s spine should have a natural curve and hips positioned in an “M” shape

There is evidence that carrying a baby on a caregiver’s body may influence hip development during the first six months of life, particularly if worn for many hours each day. That’s why hip positioning is just as important as airway safety.

Swipe to see the safest (and least safe) positions for your baby’s hips when babywearing.

If you’re unsure about positioning, we’re always happy to guide you 🤍

**Images adapted with acknowledgement from http://hipdysplasia.org.

Hydrotherapy is one of the therapy options we offer at Early Years to support children’s physical development.The proper...
16/03/2026

Hydrotherapy is one of the therapy options we offer at Early Years to support children’s physical development.

The properties of water allow us to adjust the level of challenge while reducing joint loading, making it a supportive environment for strengthening, mobility and functional movement practice. For some children, the warmth of the pool can also assist with relaxation and confidence.

Hydrotherapy may be incorporated into a broader therapy plan or used alongside land-based physiotherapy, depending on your child’s needs and goals.

If you would like to learn more about hydrotherapy sessions or discuss suitability, our team is here to help.

Orthotics are one of the tools we may use within paediatric physiotherapy to support foot and ankle alignment.When littl...
11/03/2026

Orthotics are one of the tools we may use within paediatric physiotherapy to support foot and ankle alignment.

When little feet are well supported, it can assist muscles to activate more effectively and joints to move in a more controlled way. This can make standing, walking and running feel steadier and less tiring.

There are different types of orthotics depending on your child’s needs.

→ In-shoe orthotics are custom inserts designed to fit inside everyday shoes.

→ SMOs (Supramalleolar Orthotics) provide stability just above the ankle bones.

→ AFOs (Ankle-Foot Orthotics) extend around the shin, ankle and foot to provide additional support for movement.

Orthotics are always considered carefully and individually - with the goal of encouraging safe, confident participation in daily activities.

If you have questions about whether orthotic support may be appropriate for your child, our physiotherapy team is here to help.

If you’re unsure what this balance looks like in real life, that’s where guidance can make a difference.The key message ...
09/03/2026

If you’re unsure what this balance looks like in real life, that’s where guidance can make a difference.

The key message isn’t about removing these tools. It’s about being intentional with movement opportunities across the day.

Free floor time allows babies to explore weight shifting, head control, reaching across midline and developing postural strength in ways that supportive devices can’t replicate. Even brief moments on a mat between feeds or after naps can help support this development.

In Nurture & Move, we demonstrate realistic ways to incorporate movement into everyday routines, answer your questions and provide reassurance during those early months.

✨ For babies aged 0–6 months
✨ Thursday mornings
✨ One complimentary trial session
✨ Private health rebates may apply

Bookings are essential. Please message our team to secure your place 💛

Matisse is one of our physiotherapists here at Early Years, bringing both warmth and clinical knowledge to every session...
06/03/2026

Matisse is one of our physiotherapists here at Early Years, bringing both warmth and clinical knowledge to every session.

She graduated with First Class Honours from Griffith University and has been dedicated to working in paediatric physiotherapy since completing her degree.

Before becoming a physiotherapist, Matisse spent three years as a swimming instructor, working with children from as young as two months through to teenagers. This early experience fostered her love for hydrotherapy, which remains one of her favourite ways to support mobility, strength and confidence.

Matisse has completed additional Level 1 Paediatrics training through the Australian Physiotherapy Association, along with further education in gait analysis and orthotic prescription. This allows her to provide thorough assessment and tailored intervention plans based on each child’s individual needs.

With a compassionate, family-centred approach, Matisse values working closely with caregivers to create fun, meaningful therapy experiences that support progress in a way that feels achievable and encouraging.

We’re so grateful to have her as part of our team 🤍

W-sitting isn’t simply a “bad habit.”For some children, it’s just one of many sitting positions. For others, it can beco...
06/03/2026

W-sitting isn’t simply a “bad habit.”

For some children, it’s just one of many sitting positions. For others, it can become a preferred posture because it offers stability without requiring as much strength or control.

When a child consistently relies on this position, they may have fewer opportunities to practise trunk rotation, side-to-side weight shifts and active core engagement which are all important parts of early motor development.

If your child strongly prefers W-sitting or finds other sitting positions challenging, it can be helpful to look at what their body is asking for.

Early movement patterns help shape confident, coordinated movement as children grow.

We’re here to support development from the very beginning 🤍

Address

Suite 2U, Treetops Square, 2 Classic Way
Burleigh Waters, QLD
4220

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

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