Children’s Physiotherapy in Kent

Our specialist paediatric physiotherapists help babies, children and teenagers move comfortably, build strength and get back to the activities they love. Both Steph and Nicole are specialist children’s physiotherapists with NHS experience. They work alongside our private GPs at our family clinic in Mereworth, a few minutes from Kings Hill, West Malling and Wateringbury. You don’t need a referral, parking is free and parents stay with their child throughout.

How we help children and teenagers

Children are not small adults. Their bones, joints and muscles are still growing, and the right advice depends on their age, stage and the things they want to do. We see children with:

• Hypermobility (very flexible joints) causing pain, tiredness, clumsiness or frequent sprains
• Leg, knee and heel pain in active children, including Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sever’s disease
• Growing pains, and pain that needs a closer look
• Sports, dance and gymnastics injuries, including overuse injuries during growth spurts
• Back and neck pain in children and teenagers
• Flat feet, in-toeing and toe walking [confirm scope]
• Recovery after a fracture, injury or surgery, and returning safely to sport
• Low confidence with movement, balance or coordination [confirm scope]

What happens at a children’s appointment

Your child’s first appointment is relaxed, friendly and often includes play. We will:

1. Listen to you and your child about what’s happening, their health and development, and what they would like to be able to do.
2. Watch how your child moves: walking, running, jumping, balance and strength, using games and activities that suit their age.
3. Examine the area causing concern.
4. Explain what we’ve found in plain language, for you and for your child.
5. Agree goals together and give you a simple home programme, often made into a game or a routine that fits family life.

Follow-up appointments check progress, move exercises on and keep your child motivated. Many children only need a few sessions, and some need just one assessment and a home plan.

What to bring: shorts and a T-shirt, the trainers or shoes your child usually wears, and any letters or scan results you already have.

Why families choose us

• Specialist paediatric physiotherapists. Both Steph and Nicole are members of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists.
• A family practice, with GPs on site. If your child needs a blood test, X-ray, scan or specialist referral, our GPs can arrange it.
• No waiting list and no referral needed. You can book directly.
• Support beyond the clinic. We can write to schools, PE teachers and sports clubs with practical advice, with your permission.
• Easy to reach. Free parking outside, an accessible clinic and [evening and Saturday appointments].

When to see a GP urgently instead

Physiotherapy is the right first step for most aches, pains and injuries. Please see a GP promptly, or call NHS 111, if your child has:

• Pain with a fever, or a hot, red or swollen joint
• A new limp, or they cannot put weight on a leg
• Pain that regularly wakes them at night, or constant pain in one place
• Unexplained weight loss, tiredness, pale skin or unusual bruising
• Pain after a significant fall or injury where a bone may be broken

In an emergency, call 999. If you’re not sure, call us and we’ll help you decide whether to see one of our GPs or a physiotherapist first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. You can book a children’s physiotherapy appointment directly with us.

What age children do you see?

We see all children and young people needing physiotherapy. Our physiotherapists are specialists in children’s physiotherapy.

Will I stay with my child?

Yes. A parent or carer stays for the whole appointment, and we involve you in every decision.

How many sessions will my child need?

It depends on the problem. Many children need 2–4 sessions; some need only one assessment and a home programme. We’ll give you an honest estimate at the first appointment.

Can you write to my child’s school or sports club?

Yes. With your permission, we can provide written advice on activity, PE and sport.

Can my child see a GP here too?

Yes. Our private GPs see children and babies, and work closely with our physiotherapists if tests or a referral are needed.

Meet our children’s physiotherapists

Steph Knight, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, MAPCP. Steph qualified in 2008 and specialises in children’s and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. She currently works as a Team Lead within specialist provision. Read more about Steph

Nicole Ruiz, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, MAPCP. Nicole qualified in 2021 and works as a Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist, with experience in NHS musculoskeletal, community rehabilitation and community neurology services. Read more about Nicole

Book an appointment

Book online with Steph or Nicole or call us on 01732 79 24 24. Not sure whether physiotherapy is right? Get in touch and we’ll help you decide.

1A Mereworth Business Centre, Dann’s Lane, Mereworth, Kent ME18 5LW. Free parking outside the clinic.