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Children with Spinal Cord Injury

Helping children rebuild strength, confidence and independence following spinal cord injury.
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Helping Your Child Return to What They Love

Specialist physiotherapy to support rehabilitation and recovery

At PaedsPhysio, we work with children and young people who have experienced a spinal cord injury, offering tailored physiotherapy that supports recovery, builds confidence, and helps them get back to the activities they enjoy. Spinal cord injury can be a life-changing event, but with the right therapy and support, children can regain strength, independence, and a sense of control over their own bodies and lives.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?​

Understanding the condition and our approach

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. In children, this damage can result from trauma, complications during birth, or from non-traumatic causes, including infections, tumours, transverse myelitis, spinal infarct, or conditions that compress the spinal cord.
The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on both the location and severity of the injury. Some children may experience a complete injury, where there is no movement or sensation below the level of injury, whilst others may have an incomplete injury, where some function remains. Every child’s experience is different, and our approach at PaedsPhysio reflects that by tailoring physiotherapy support to meet each individual’s unique situation and personal goals.

Children with Spinal Cord Injury may experience:

  • Muscle weakness or paralysis.
  • Loss of sensation or altered sensory responses.
  • Breathing or respiratory difficulties.
  • Changes in bladder or bowel control.
  • Altered blood pressure regulation.
  • Challenges with posture, movement and mobility.
Therapist and boy playing ball
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How Physiotherapy Can Help Children With Spinal Cord Injury​

Physiotherapy is vital in helping children with spinal cord injury rebuild strength, improve mobility, and regain independence

At PaedsPhysio, we create personalised rehabilitation plans to address each child’s unique needs and goals. We focus not just on physical recovery, but on emotional wellbeing too, ensuring therapy is positive, motivating, and tailored to what matters most to the child and their family.

Our physiotherapy treatment programmes may include: <expand to list like ‘Children’s Physiotherapy following Brain Injury’ section in Acquired Brain Injury Physiotherapy – Paeds Physio>

Physiotherapy for children following a spinal cord injury may include:

  • Comprehensive physical assessment and goal setting.
  • Skin integrity care and sensory management.
  • Support with joint range of movement and muscle length.
  • Functional mobility training and support for participation in physical activities.
  • Recommendations for orthotics and mobility equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, and standing frames.
  • Technology such as functional electrical stimulation.
  • Advice on postural management, bone health, and respiratory care.
  • Specialist techniques including hydrotherapy and land-based physiotherapy.
We're Here to Help

Family-friendly physio for children with spinal cord injuries

We understand that spinal cord injury affects every child differently. Our friendly and experienced physiotherapists will work with you to find the right approach for your child, whether that’s building strength, improving comfort, or maximising function.