About Us
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 and Chromosomal Abnormalities
-
Neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida
-
Neuromuscular Disorders such as Muscular Dystrophy and Charcot Marie Tooth Disease
-
Equipment prescription such as specialised walkers, standing frames and wheelchairs
-
premature or low birth weight infants
-
Brachial plexus injuries
-
Asymmetries in head shape or neck movement in babies (Plagiocephaly/Torticollis)
-
Abnormal foot postures in babies and toddlers
-
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)
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder
-
Developmental Co-ordination Disorder
Children are not just little adults. Their bones, muscles, and joints are still developing, and the neuroplasticity of their brains allows them to learn rapidly through interactions with their environment. Repetition of movement patterns, practiced in a variety of ways, promotes motor skill learning, as we teach the brain to adapt and compensate for disruptions in the neurological system.
Paediatric Physiotherapists have specialised knowledge in child development and its connection to neurological, cardiorespiratory, and musculoskeletal health. We assess each child individually and holistically, to develop activity and play programs with a child and family-centred focus. Together, we set functional goals and find practical, achievable ways to reach them.
We are experienced in supporting children with disabilities, including through the prescription of assistive equipment, and are dedicated to empowering children to participate fully and confidently in their communities. Collaboration is central to our approach—we work closely with other allied health and medical professionals to support each child’s health, development, and engagement in everyday life.
And most importantly, therapy is disguised as play—because learning is most effective when it’s fun!
​
About Me
Celia Johnston
Physiotherapist
I graduated from the University of Melbourne with Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). I then completed an 8 week post graduate course in working with children with Cerebral Palsy (using the theory known as Paediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment). I am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and am a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
I have over 25 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 privileged to work with children living with a disability, and am passionate about creating opportunities for them to be active and engaged participants in their home, school, and community environments. I am deeply committed to my role in supporting each child’s ability to move, explore, and play to their fullest potential.
I
