Services
Physiotherapy designed for growing bodies
Children are not small adults. Their bodies are still growing, their bones and muscles develop at different rates, and the injuries and aches they experience often behave very differently from the same problems in a grown up. That is why children benefit from physiotherapy that is designed around how they move, play and grow.
At Jonathan Clark Physiotherapy, we have treated children for years. Paediatric physiotherapy is part of what our whole team does, so children aged 7 and up can be seen by any of our physiotherapists at any of our five Hampshire and West Sussex clinics. We receive enquiries every month from parents asking whether we see younger patients, and the answer has always been yes. This page brings that service into the open, so that families can find the right care more easily, whether your child has picked up a sports injury, is struggling with growing pains, or has been referred for help with walking, balance or posture.
The ages we treat
Every one of our physiotherapists assesses and treats children aged 7 and up, and this service is available at all five of our Hampshire and West Sussex clinics. That means you can book your child in with any of our clinicians, at whichever location is most convenient for you, from Southampton and Eastleigh to Whiteley, Chandlers Ford and Midhurst.
For children aged 6 and below, we recommend seeing our specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist, Nathan Brooker, who works at our Whiteley clinic near Fareham. The very youngest children need a particular approach that keeps assessment playful, gentle and appropriate for how they communicate and move, and Nathan has the specialist experience to provide exactly that.
If you are unsure which clinician or clinic suits your child, our friendly reception team are happy to point you in the right direction. You can reach us through our contact page.
Specialist care for children aged 0 to 6
While children aged 7 and up can be seen by any physiotherapist across our clinics, our very youngest patients are cared for by Nathan Brooker, our specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist, at our Whiteley clinic near Fareham.
Nathan is a Chartered Physiotherapist with a particular interest in treating children and young people aged 0 to 16. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science and an MSc in Physiotherapy, and he is registered with both the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP No. 126499) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC No. PH149565).
Nathan has experience as a Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist, including work within the NHS, alongside a background in sport and injury rehabilitation. He is used to working with very young children and knows how to put them at ease during an assessment. Parents of children aged 6 and under can book directly with Nathan at our Whiteley clinic.
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Conditions we treat
Children come to us with a wide range of concerns. Some are recovering from an injury, some are managing pain linked to growth spurts, and others need help with movement, balance or posture. The areas our paediatric physiotherapy team see most often fall into a few broad groups.
Around the knee, hip and lower limb, we treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and other ligament injuries, anterior knee pain and patellofemoral joint pain, meniscal injuries and general knee pain. We also help children managing hip pain and Perthes’ disease, as well as growth related knee conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome.
For the foot and ankle, common reasons to see us include foot and ankle pain, heel pain and Sever’s disease, and flat feet with the associated discomfort that can travel up the lower limb. We also assess and support children who toe walk.
A lot of childhood pain is simply growth related, and we regularly help with growth related pain, apophysitis and avulsion injuries. On the more developmental side, we work with children who have gait abnormalities or difficulties with balance and coordination, giving families a clear picture of what is happening and how to help.
When it comes to the spine, posture and neck, we treat back pain and neck pain, postural dysfunction and scoliosis, taking care to explain what is normal for a growing spine and what benefits from treatment.
In the upper limb, we see children with shoulder pain, elbow pain, and wrist and hand pain, whether from sport, a fall or everyday overuse.
Many of our younger patients come to us with sports injuries, including sprains, strains and fractures. We also provide post operative rehabilitation after procedures such as ACL repairs, meniscal repairs, slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) surgery and calf repairs, working alongside your consultant to get your child moving again safely.
If your child’s concern is not mentioned here, please still get in touch. This covers the areas we see most often, but our team can advise on many other movement and musculoskeletal problems, or help you find the right onward referral if physiotherapy is not the answer.
What to expect at your child's first appointment
The first visit is all about understanding your child and building their trust. We start with a conversation about what has been happening, when the problem began, and how it affects everyday life, whether that is sport, school, sleep or simply playing. We will always involve you as the parent or carer, and we keep the language clear and free of jargon.
Your child’s physiotherapist will then carry out a physical assessment, looking at how they move, their strength, flexibility, joints and, where relevant, their walking pattern or balance. With younger children this is done through play, so it feels natural rather than clinical.
From there, we explain what we have found and agree a plan together. That plan usually includes hands on treatment where appropriate, along with simple exercises and activities to continue at home. Recovery in children often depends on what happens between appointments, so we make sure the home programme is realistic and easy to fit into family life. We will also let you know roughly how many sessions we expect your child to need and what progress should look like along the way.
Why families across Hampshire choose us
Choosing the right physiotherapist for your child matters. Every member of our team is a qualified, registered physiotherapist, so you can be confident your child is in safe and experienced hands. We are careful, honest and clear about what physiotherapy can and cannot do, and we will always tell you if your child needs to see a GP, consultant or another specialist instead.
We treat each child as an individual rather than a diagnosis, and we take the time to make appointments feel calm and reassuring. Because we have clinics right across the county, families can usually find convenient care close to home, with flexible appointment times that work around school.
You can learn more about our general approach on our physiotherapy service page.
When should my child see a paediatric physiotherapist?
It is worth booking an assessment if your child has pain that is not settling, an injury from sport or play that is limiting them, or if you have noticed changes in how they walk, run, balance or hold themselves. Growing children often experience aches around the knees, heels and hips, and while many of these settle with the right guidance, a physiotherapist can identify what is going on and give you a clear plan rather than leaving you to worry.
You do not need a GP referral to see us. If you are ever unsure whether physiotherapy is the right next step, contact us and we will happily talk it through.
Paediatric physiotherapy clinics across Hampshire and West Sussex
Paediatric physiotherapy is available at all of our clinics for children aged 7 and up. For children aged 0 to 6, appointments are with Nathan Brooker at our Whiteley clinic.
Wherever you are in Hampshire or West Sussex, from Southampton and Eastleigh to Fareham, Whiteley,Chandlers Ford and Midhurst, there is a clinic within easy reach.
Book your child's appointment today
Helping your child move, play and feel like themselves again is what we are here for. Book online at your nearest clinic, and remember to choose Nathan Brooker at Whiteley if your child is aged 6 or under.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
What age children do you treat?
Our physiotherapy team assess and treat all children aged 7 and up at every clinic. Children aged 6 and below are seen by our specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist, Nathan Brooker, at our Whiteley clinic near Fareham.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can book your child in directly with us. If your child has already been seen by a GP or consultant, it is helpful to bring any letters or scan results to the appointment.
Where can my child be seen?
Paediatric physiotherapy for children aged 7 and up is available at all five of our Hampshire and West Sussex clinics: Southampton, Whiteley (Fareham), Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford and Midhurst. Children aged 0 to 6 are seen at our Whiteley clinic with Nathan Brooker.
Should a parent stay during the appointment?
Yes. We ask a parent or carer to stay throughout, both to help your child feel comfortable and so you understand the plan and can support the home exercises.
How many sessions will my child need?
This depends on the condition, but we will give you an honest idea at the first appointment and review progress as we go. Many childhood problems respond well once the right plan is in place.
Are your physiotherapists qualified to treat children?
Yes. Every member of our team is a qualified, registered physiotherapist. Younger children (aged 0 to 6) are seen by Nathan Brooker, who has specialist experience in paediatric physiotherapy and is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the HCPC.