Step by Step - Children's Physiotherapy

10/02/2026

This week I had the absolute privilege of spending two days at NAPA in Harlow with one of my brilliant young clients. (https://napacentre.co.uk/locations/napa-center-london)

NAPA is such a special place. It challenges children and young people to believe they can achieve hard things. The environment is inspiring, motivating, and full of possibility — and the results come from the true intensity of the therapy. My client was working incredibly hard during three hours of therapy each day, pushing his body and brain in ways that just aren’t possible in a typical weekly session.

My role in attending is to make sure all the fantastic progress made during the intensive doesn’t stay in the therapy room. I focus on bringing his programme back into daily life at home — translating those therapy achievements into everyday movement, play, and functional skills so progress continues long after NAPA.

And the progress? Honestly impressive!

Last year, before his NAPA intensive, he wasn’t able to walk independently.
This year… he’s doing mini hurdles 💪

During this intensive he worked incredibly hard on:
• Improving symmetry in his movement
• Using his left arm more in functional activities
• Strengthening, alignment work, and developing sensory awareness

So proud of the effort, determination and courage shown. Hard work + the right environment + teamwork = amazing things.

(Photos shared with parental permission)

09/02/2026

This weekend I was at The Portland Hospital, London for a two-day course on elastic therapeutic taping in paediatrics (often called K-tape or physio tape).

My brain (and toolkit!) is now bursting with new ideas and practical skills to support children with:
✨ posture
✨ muscle activation
✨ joint stability
✨ body awareness
✨ functional movement

Taping can be a really gentle but powerful way to give the body a bit of extra feedback and support during everyday activities.

👉 Current patients might notice me starting to suggest taping as part of their treatment where it’s appropriate.
👉 If you’re a parent or carer and you’re curious about whether taping could help your child, feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to chat and explain how it works and when it’s useful.

Excited to bring this into sessions! 💙

06/02/2026

It’s very important that referrers and parents, caregivers and childcare professionals understand the NICE guidelines for ‘late’ walkers (15 months of age). Most services are not compliant with this guidance. I’m very happy to review any child’s development where there are concerns - get in touch on 07797729904 or admin@stepbystep.je

Covers when to consider community management or specialist referral for a child who is late to walk.

01/02/2026

01/02/2026

This is the legendary Radiant
Unstoppable Fearless Incredible
Powerhouse Inspiring Resilient
Glorious and all round brilliant human that is Carly.
Any visitors to the Harvey Suite at the Lido will recognise her and she’s at it again pushing her limits physically to raise money for a brilliant Jersey Charity - Jersey Critical Care Survivors. If you visit my clinic in the next few months you might see some fundraisers happening - if you can please support, and if you can spare even a few pennies you can donate here: https://jerseygiving.je/sponsor/activity/london-marathon-april-2026/carly-silvester

01/01/2026

31/12/2025

This review highlights the strong behavioural and neurological links between motor difficulties and ADHD, arguing that motor challenges should be understood as a core feature of the condition rather than a secondary issue. Using a dynamical systems perspective, the researchers propose that motor and cognitive difficulties in ADHD arise from shared disruptions in sensorimotor processes and environmental exploration. These disruptions shape how children interact with, learn from, and adapt to their environments, suggesting that motor and attentional difficulties co-emerge rather than existing in a simple cause-and-effect relationship.

https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050576

Follow us to keep up to date on the latest research in Sensory Integration and Neurodiversity.

To learn more about supporting individuals with sensory differences across the lifespan see the link below:
https://loom.ly/aZ6S86c

24/12/2025

After the closure of Reaction Physiotherapy Clinic we are desperately seeking a warm pool to continue my classes for a group of the most wonderful senior ladies who desperately need to get their bodies back in the water and keep moving. If ANYONE is open to us using their pool Please please please get in touch I have been trying hard to find us somewhere suitable. These ladies would be beyond thankful to be able to keep their bodies moving and healthy. If you can’t help then please share? There’s a real lack of these resources on the island for older people with disability and age related difficulties. Thank you

12/12/2025

01/11/2025

Making every dream possible! Love that there are options - it’s a start.

22/10/2025

This report was published yesterday, I know a lot of parents and some young people who were involved in the evidence gathering for this review; please read this thorough report - the challenge now is in agreeing priorities and securing commitment to real change.

22/08/2025

'Breaking Barriers' is a fitness and wellbeing event on Sunday 14 September in aid of ALL MATTERS NEURODIVERSE.
They are in need of DBS checked first aiders and parking stewards to help at the event between 0930 and 1600hrs at FB fields.
For details visit www.volunteer.je or
email jhadleypiggin@gmail.com
Association of Jersey Charities
Volunteer.je