Why was Children First Physiotherapy set up?

Children First Physiotherapy was set up after realising the need for an accessible physiotherapy service dedicated towards the specific and evolving needs of all children and their families.

Children First Physiotherapy, set up by Children’s Physiotherapist and mother of three young children, Lorna Taylor (BSc (Hons), Dip. IIST, MCSP, SRP) is based in Smalley Village, Derbyshire (6 miles North East of Derby). Lorna provides Physiotherapy to children of all ages and ability within the East Midlands. Assessment and treatment is provided within the familiar settings of the child’s home, school, sports club or nursery or in the clinic at Lorna’s own home. Day and evening appointments are available to fit around school and extra-curricular activities, as well as parent’s schedules.

Lorna believes that childhood should be a willing journey of discovery, a foundation for life. Movement and play, free from the fear of pain and failing are fundamental aspects in ensuring each child reaches their full potential. Through individual physiotherapy programmes, Lorna aims to relieve pain, improve movement and function and prevent further damage occurring, whilst reassuring parents. Children should be able to concentrate on their chosen activities: play, schoolwork, sport etc. With prompt and complete rehabilitation, body asymmetries can be corrected now to prevent further problems in later life. Through interactive, interesting and fun education, children learn to become aware and take responsibility for their bodies so that it becomes a “way of life”, preventing problems in adulthood.

Lorna firmly believes injury prevention is better than cure. Children First Physiotherapy can offer help and advice to enable children of all abilities and sporting aspirations to reach their full potential.

It is imperative injuries are prevented or picked up early and treated fully so that permanent wear and tear does not occur in later life and prolonged absence from activity is avoided.

Lorna has an understanding about the impact of disability upon function. By working with children, young people and parents through purposeful activity and play, skills can be acquired to enable daily activities to be performed as independently as possible.

We all endeavour to do the best for our children, and are becoming increasingly aware of healthy lifestyles and associated benefits to children’s future well being (e.g. the food children consume, exercise, baby massage, alternative therapies). Children First Physiotherapy believes children and their families deserve a physiotherapy service suited wholly to meet their needs. To promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being whilst taking account of health status. As with other areas of raising children, we need to educate and invest in our children now for their future.