‘Plagiocephaly’ is a term for a misshapen head in infants. This occurs in approximately 20 per cent of infants at seven weeks of age. Plagiocephaly occurs because babies’ heads are very soft, and flat spots can happen when they spend long periods of time with their heads resting in the same position. This is usually managed with repositioning and plenty of supervised awake ‘tummy time’.  While plagiocephaly does not affect babies’ development, it can alter the appearance of their face and head.

Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a term used to describe children who walk on their toes with no known cause. A thorough assessment is important to determine if the toe walking is a sign of a condition of concern. ITW resolves by itself in most children, however, it can result in issues such as leg and foot pain and falls. Treatment by a physiotherapist can help to address and prevent these issues, as well as maintain flexibility in the muscles and reduce toe walking.  

Some children will have an abnormal gait at some stage of their development. While some issues get better with age, others may be improved with exercises given by a paediatric physiotherapist or more occassionaly serious medical attention, such as an operation. An assessment by a health professional with experience in paediatrics, such as a GP or paediatric physiotherapist, can help determine the best form of treatment.

Infant foot deformities are one of the most common deformities in babies and are found in almost five per cent of all newborns. Many foot deformities improve without treatment, however, some may require further intervention.

To fracture or break a bone is a common injury throughout childhood and adult life, yet most of these fractures heal without problems. The rate of fracture increases with age and is greater in women than in men. The majority of fractures will be treated with a cast, splint or minimal intervention to immobilise (keep the fracture still) the fracture for comfort and to protect it while it heals. A smaller number may require a procedure to put the broken bone into the correct position so it heals correctly.

Balance is the ability to control your body position while standing or moving. Mobility is the ability to stand up and walk in a range of environments. Both of these can deteriorate with age and certain health conditions make this deterioration worse. The good news is that a well-designed exercise program can usually improve the balance and mobility in people of any age.

Women’s health encompasses a huge variety of conditions that may affect women throughout their life.

Pregnancy and post-natal (post-baby) issues commonly include pain in the low back, hips, groin and hands, as well as pelvic floor problems such as incontinence and prolapse. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are often an important part in helping many of these issues.  Every person is different so finding out why you have a problem is essential to proper recovery.

Men’s health refers to any issues related to the male pelvis and the surrounding area of the body. Men can develop problems with their bladder, bowel, sexual organs or pelvic floor muscles. In fact, these issues are fairly common. 1 in 8 men have a problem with their pelvic floor, bladder or bowel.

‘Growing pain’ is a generic term for aches experienced during childhood and adolescence, affecting the arm and leg muscles—commonly in the calf, front of the thigh or behind the knees. The pain is often worse in the afternoon or evening and sometimes can wake a child from their sleep. The cause is not known and it does not cause any long-term problems.