paediatric physiotherapy jobs with Pulse

A paediatric physiotherapist specialises in providing physical therapy to babies, children, and teenagers with a wide range of challenges, ranging from developmental delays to neurological disorders or musculoskeletal issues.

Your daily duties will revolve around supporting children’s physical development, addressing difficulties with movement, minimising pain, and helping them to function more easily. This will ultimately help to improve the quality of young patients’ lives, as well as those of their families. You’ll conduct hands-on treatment using specialised techniques and incorporate therapeutic play to engage children in their rehabilitation.

You’ll also carry out thorough assessments to determine children’s physical abilities, movement patterns, and developmental milestones (such as crawling, sitting and walking). This will require the consideration of factors such as medical history, growth charts, and parent or caregiver input, to create a comprehensive picture of a child’s needs. Based on the findings, you’ll develop personalised treatment plans that focus on specific goals. These plans may include therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions aimed at improving strength, coordination, balance, mobility, and functional skills.

In addition to working directly with children, paediatric physiotherapists will involve parents, caregivers, and family members in the rehabilitation process. You’ll teach them about, and train them in, exercises, techniques, and strategies that can be implemented at home to support a child’s progress.

Paediatric physiotherapists act as a champion of children’s needs when it comes to their physical challenges, so you’ll be responsible for ensuring that they have access to appropriate services, equipment, and resources. You will also provide emotional support to children and families throughout the rehabilitation process.

Paediatric physiotherapists need strong spoken and written communication skills in order to be able to interact with young people, family members and a variety of health professionals effectively. You’ll usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside healthcare professionals such as paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and educators. Effective communication will help you to share vital information and coordinate a child’s overall care plan successfully.

You’ll also have to have good attention to detail and be highly organised. Regular monitoring of children’s progress is crucial, so you’ll need to regularly document changes and use this to adjust treatment plans accordingly. Accurate, detailed records will help you to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals so that appropriate decisions can be made.

As a paediatric physiotherapist, it is also important that you can keep calm under pressure and be patient with everyone you interact with. A high level of empathy is beneficial, as well as tolerance, sensitivity, and a genuine concern for patients. You should also be confident in making decisions and be able to motivate and inspire others.

Paediatric physiotherapists also need to be proactive and keen learners, as the role requires you to stay up to date with current research, evidence-based practices, and advancements in paediatric physiotherapy. You’ll have to be diligent about keeping on top of your continued professional development and attending relevant training courses.

Paediatric physiotherapist jobs can be found in paediatric departments within NHS and private hospitals and outpatient clinics. There are also roles in GP practices, health centres, community centres, rehabilitation centres, schools, and charities. You may visit children in their own homes too.

At Pulse, our dedicated recruitment consultants will give you expert support and guidance at every stage of your job search. We’ll prioritise your needs and take the time to listen to your career ambitions, to match you with the right roles.

When you join us, you’ll also get access to competitive pay, daily payroll with a range of payment options and a £300 recommend a friend bonus scheme. As we’re committed to helping you succeed in your career, we also have an online platform containing eLearning tools so that you can receive high-quality training to support your continuing professional development.