Paediatric Musculoskeletal Assessment
What is Paediatric Musculoskeletal Assessment?
A paediatric musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment is a specialised physical Physiotherapy assessment, focused on your child’s bones, joints, muscles, and movement patterns (walking, running etc). It is the essential first step in addressing any musculoskeletal concern in children and adolescents.
The assessment helps our skilled physiotherapists identify the root cause of issues—from common sporting injuries and adolescent growth conditions to more specific diagnoses. Because a child’s body is constantly changing with growth, this thorough evaluation is crucial for creating an effective, individualised treatment plan that adapts as your child develops.
Who is Paediatric Musculoskeletal Assessment for?
This service is for any child presenting with a musculoskeletal concern related to their physical structure or movement. We assess and treat a wide range of common and complex paediatric presentations, including:
- Growth and Alignment Issues: Childhood and Adolescent growth conditions including things like Scoliosis, Severs, Perthes and lower limb alignment, including foot conditions
- Infant Conditions: Torticollis + Plagiocephaly, Talipes equinovarus (Clubfoot), and postural foot alignment concerns from birth. We are trained in Ponsetti casting.
- Movement & Mobility: Toe walking and hypermobility + other alignment / strength / co-ordination concerns
- Injury & Activity: Sporting injuries and issues affecting gross motor skills and development
If your child presents with a musculoskeletal concern, such as pain, asymmetry, or difficulty with certain physical activities, a specialised MSK assessment is the right starting point.
What Does the Assessment Involve?
A thorough paediatric musculoskeletal assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation of multiple physical domains. Your child’s physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation focusing on:
Muscle Status
Assessment of the strength and length of their muscles
Joint Function
Range of movement in their joints (passive and active) and factors impacting this
Movement
Analysis of gross motor skills, including walking + running, bony alignment, posture and movement patterns
Posture
Analysis of postural alignment + dynamic control of this during movement, in a variety of positions
Neurological system
Impact of any red-flag concerns, including low or high muscle tone
Setting Goals and Planning Treatment
As part of the assessment, videos or photos may be taken as a way of tracking progress over time, as conditions can often change with growth. Your therapist will then provide feedback and an individualised plan, which includes a tailored home program.
If referral for further investigation or other supports such as orthotics / braces are required, we can guide this process and discuss with other health professionals.
We also offer advice regarding suitable community sporting groups and support in helping your child achieve their specific goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a Paediatric MSK assessment take?
A: We allow between 45-90 minutes to complete this assessment depending on information provided on your initial referral. If further time or additional standardised assessments are required, your Physiotherapist will advise of this. We also allow time for your therapist to discuss the outcomes and initial plan with you. We may need to make an additional appointment, to fully support the development of a home program of exercises.
If you require a formal report detailing outcomes + therapy plan please let us know at the time of booking, so we can allocate time for our Physiotherapist to complete this.
Q: Do I need a referral from a doctor?
A: No. You don’t require a referral however if it relates to a chronic condition, your GP can refer with a Medicare EPC / Chronic Health Plan – this enables a partial rebate via Medicare and can be helpful in coordinating care. You can self refer and claim a private health fund rebate, however can your individual cover, as they may have specific requirements.
Q: Is the home program complicated?
A: The home program is individualised to best assist your child. Your therapist will ensure the exercises are clear, manageable, and tailored to fit into your family’s routine.
How to make an appointment
- Call us on 0422 229 971 or fill in the enquiry form below.
- Our team will arrange an initial chat.
- We’ll book your first session and welcome your child to Developmental Therapies
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Our Location
Suite 1/66 Jessica Boulevard
MINYAMA QLD 4575
(In shared rooms with Orthotic Solutions)
Open Hours
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 8am – 5pm
Thursday 8am – 5pm
Friday 8am – 12noon