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About Us

Physiotherapy for babies - crawling

Northcote Kids Physio specialises in the treatment of children from birth up to 12 years of age.

We are specialists in the management of:

  • Syndromes

  • Neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy (hemiplegia and diplegia) and Spina Bifida

  • nerve injuries such as Erb's Palsy/ brachial plexus injuries

  • asymmetries in head shape or neck movement in babies (Plagiocephaly/Torticollis)

  • abnormal foot postures in babies and toddlers

  • premature or low birth weight infants

  • gross motor delays in babies, such as rolling, sitting, crawling or walking.

  • gross motor difficulties in toddlers and older children such as jumping, hopping, running and riding a trike/bike

  • walking issues such as toe walking, in-toeing, out-toeing

  • balance and co-ordination difficulties, including frequent falls/ tripping

  • hypermobility (ligament laxity)

Children are not just little adults. Their bones, muscles and joints are growing, and the neuroplasticity of their brains allows them to learn quickly through experiences in their environment. Repetition of certain movement patterns performed in variety of different ways enables a child to reach their potential, as we teach the brain to adapt and compensate for disruptions to the neurological system. 

Paediatric Physiotherapists have an expert understanding of child development and how this relates to neurological, cardio-respiratory and musculoskeletal health.  Paediatric Physiotherapists assess each child individually and holistically to develop activity and play programs with a child and family-centred focus. We discuss functional goals and work out practical ways to achieve these goals. We play games with the purpose of stretching and strengthening muscle groups as well repeating movement patterns for motor skill learning. We work in alliance with other allied health and medical practitioners to enhance the health and wellbeing of children and maximise their participation in everyday activities.

About Me

Celia Johnston 

Physiotherapist

I graduated from the University of Melbourne with Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). I then completed a specialist post graduate course in working with children with Cerebral Palsy (using the theory known as Paediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment or Bobath Method). I am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and am a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
I have over 20 years experience working as a Children's Physiotherapist in Melbourne and in London, specialising in the treatment of 0-12 year olds. This has included work with community health centres, specialist schools, child care centres, kindergartens, primary schools and private practice clinics. My experience ranges from children presenting with minor sporting injuries through to significant disability.
As a Physiotherapist and a mother of 3 children, I am passionate about encouraging all children to be active, and to fully engage in the world in a physical sense. Physical activity is a core value in our family. We love spending time together on bike riding holidays, hiking through rainforests, swimming at the beach and skiing down snow mountains. We enjoy exploring the world by being active in nature; balancing on logs crossing a river, performing cartwheels on the beach, climbing trees or jumping into rockpools.
I feel particularly blessed to work with children who have a diagnosed or potential disability. I am passionate about extending opportunities for children with disabilities to be active participants in home, school and community life. I am dedicated to my pivotal role in enhancing a child's ability to move, explore and play.         

 

I

Celia Johnston - Paediatric Physiotherapist
Celia Johnston - Physiotherapist for Children

My Kids!

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