Physio for Down’s Syndrome

Q: Children with Down’s syndrome may experience:

Low muscle tone (hypotonia).Joint hypermobility.Delays in gross motor development (e.g. sitting, crawling, walking).Poor balance and postural control.Fatigue with prolonged movement.Difficulties with coordination and body awareness.

Paediatric physiotherapy to support children with Down’s Syndrome.

Physiotherapy for your developing child.

Helping children move with confidence, from the very beginning

Down’s syndrome can bring a unique set of physical and developmental challenges, but with early and consistent physiotherapy, children can make meaningful progress and reach their milestones in their own time. At PaedsPhysio, we provide individualised support that embraces each child’s pace, needs and personality. Our physiotherapists support children to build confidence, ability and participation through every stage of childhood.

WHAT IS DOWN’S SYNDROME?

What is Down’s Syndrome?

Understanding how down’s syndrome affects movement, posture and development

Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. It can affect muscle tone, coordination, and the development of motor skills, alongside differences in cognitive and communication development. Some children may also have associated health issues such as heart conditions, vision or hearing problems, or joint instability.

Our physiotherapists work with children who have Down’s syndrome from the very early weeks through to school age and beyond. Whether it’s helping a baby learn to hold their head up, supporting a toddler to take their first steps, or building strength and stamina in older children, we adapt our physiotherapy approach to suit each child.

Children with Down’s syndrome may experience:

Low muscle tone (hypotonia).
Joint hypermobility.
Delays in gross motor development (e.g. sitting, crawling, walking).
Poor balance and postural control.
Fatigue with prolonged movement.
Difficulties with coordination and body awareness.

How Physiotherapy Helps Children With Down’s Syndrome.

Physiotherapy is an essential part of supporting motor development in children with down’s syndrome

Personalised, playful and purposeful rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy is an essential part of supporting motor development in children with Down’s syndrome. At PaedsPhysio, we take a proactive approach, using play, repetition and achievable goals to promote mobility, strength and independence. Sessions are designed to be fun, functional and tailored to each stage of development.

Children’s physiotherapy for Down’s syndrome may include: expand to list like ‘Children’s Physiotherapy following Brain Injury’ section in Acquired Brain Injury Physiotherapy – Paeds Physio

Children’s physiotherapy for Down’s syndrome may include:

Early support for positioning, handling and head/trunk control in babies.
Activities to progress rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking.
Muscle strengthening exercises to improve postural stability and endurance.
Balance and coordination games using balls, climbing, stepping and interactive play.
Support for postural alignment and symmetrical movement during sitting and walking.
Use of orthotics or supportive footwear where needed for ankle and foot alignment.
Advice around safe movement and activity modifications if cervical spine instability is present
Play-based therapy to encourage motivation, engagement and skill development
Education for families on pacing, positioning and incorporating physio into daily routines.

PERSONALISED, PLAYFUL AND PURPOSEFUL PHYSIO.

Supporting early milestones and lifelong progress

At PaedsPhysio, we believe in exploring movement, enhancing physical ability and promoting self-belief. Our physiotherapists are here to guide your child with Down’s Syndrome through every new challenge, whether that’s learning to sit, take a step, or keep up with friends at school. We’ll work alongside you and your child with practical, playful, and goal-led physiotherapy that makes a real difference.