Possible signs and symptoms of a neurological condition in children are: failure to meet developmental milestones; loss of previously present motor skills; history of blurred vision, headaches, eye pain; floppiness or weakness in extremities; stiffness in extremities; uncoordinated, awkward or clumsy movement; abnormal gait pattern (toe walking, uncoordinated, wide-based); obvious asymmetry in coordination or strength between the right and left side of body; increasing fatigue; frequent falls.

There are many reasons for choosing to see a private physiotherapist such as:

• Being able to see someone more quickly, discus your concerns, identify your child’s movement or functional difficulties and determine if and how Physiotherapy can help.
• Arranging an appointment time to suit you to fit in with your work, your child’s school or other commitments. We offer early morning, evening and weekend appointment times.
• Receiving a more hands-on approach to your child’s treatment including treatments such as manual therapy, soft tissue treatments, strength and conditioning sessions which are often not available on the NHS due to lack of resources and  time constraints.
• Being able to choose your child’s physiotherapist and know how much experience and post-graduate qualifications they have.

No, Doctors notes or other referrals are not required to book a treatment session at Octopus Physiotherapy Kids Clinic.

Your child should wear comfortable clothing such as a loose top, tracksuit or shorts. Physiotherapists need to visually assess your child in terms of movement and posture, as well as move different areas of his/hers body, so these should be accessible and visible.

On your first visit to Octopus Physiotherapy Kids Clinic, you will be asked to fill out a form detailing any concerns about your child’s development or relevant health issues. You will be also asked to fill out a paediatric physiotherapy, personal training and manual therapy consent form. Your Physiotherapist will then call you into a treatment room and continue to ask you some further questions whilst filling out an assessment form.
The Physiotherapist will then asses and analyse your child’s motor development and posture. Occasionally, you will be asked to remove an item of your child’s clothing to allow the Physiotherapist further assessment of the  child’s movement, posture or to palpate problem area.
Initial assessment may also involve some treatment, which may include therapeutic exercises, joint manipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue or myofascial massage and advice.
The initial assessment will take approximately one hour.

Some treatment can be uncomfortable but at no stage should your child be unable to tolerate the level of discomfort. Your physiotherapist will give you clear guidelines on what to expect during and after child’s treatment and what is a normal reaction. If you have any concerns then you should speak to your physiotherapist immediately.

Occasionally, following Physiotherapy assessment we will recommend a scan or Xray. In this instance we will write a letter to your GP requesting a second opinion from them so that they can organise this for you.

Octopus Physiotherapy Clinic is recognised by the major private health insurance companies for physiotherapy treatment. Usually, a patient has to be referred by their GP or specialist in order to claim the cost of their physiotherapy treatment through their private medical insurance.

We strongly recommend that patients contact their insurance company before commencing treatment to check and confirm individual policy conditions relating to a claim.

A cancellation fee will be charged if you do not attend an appointment without notice or cancel an appointment with less than one full working days’ notice.

If not available on site, the team at location will be able to tell you where you can park close by.