Welcoming a new baby is exciting, but it can also bring questions and concerns about your child’s growth and development. Some parents notice their baby prefers turning their head one way, has flat spots on the skull, or is slower to roll or crawl. Others simply want reassurance that their baby is developing well.
That’s where newborn physiotherapy comes in. At Trilogy Physiotherapy in Sinnamon Park, Brisbane, our physiotherapist Palada has completed specialised training to assess and treat newborns, providing gentle, evidence-based care to support your baby’s health.
Why Might a Newborn See a Physiotherapist?
There are many reasons parents bring their newborn to physiotherapy, including:
- Torticollis (head tilt or preference) – when a baby prefers to look or turn their head one way (Celayir, 2000).
- Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) – flat spots that can develop on a baby’s head due to positioning (Roby et al., 2012).
- Developmental delays – such as rolling, crawling, or sitting later than expected (Case-Smith, 2015).
- Prematurity – supporting babies born early with strength and motor milestones (Spittle et al., 2015).
- General reassurance – to check movement, strength, and posture are on track.
What to Expect in a Newborn Physiotherapy Appointment
Palada’s sessions are gentle, safe, and tailored to each baby’s needs. A typical assessment includes:
- Observing your baby’s movements, posture, and head shape.
- Checking muscle tone, reflexes, and motor skills.
- Discussing your baby’s history and any concerns you have.
- Providing guidance on play, positioning, and exercises you can do at home.
Parents are always included in the process, ensuring you leave with practical strategies to support your baby’s development.
How Physiotherapy Helps Babies
Newborn physiotherapy focuses on promoting healthy movement and preventing issues from becoming long-term concerns. Benefits may include:
- Improved neck mobility and head control (Öhman et al., 2010).
- Reduced risk of flat spots on the skull (van Vlimmeren et al., 2008).
- Support for gross motor milestones such as rolling, crawling, and sitting (Case-Smith, 2015).
- Better symmetry in movement and posture (Celayir, 2000).
- Increased confidence for parents in supporting their baby’s growth.
Why Choose Trilogy Physiotherapy?
- Specialist Training: Palada has undergone additional training to provide physiotherapy for newborns and infants.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Our clinic is welcoming and set up to make parents and babies comfortable.
- Local Care: Conveniently located in Sinnamon Park, we support families across Brisbane’s western suburbs, including Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, and Oxley.
- Continuity of Care: As your child grows, our wider physio team also provides expert support for children aged 5 and above.
Book Your Baby’s Appointment
Early support can make a big difference in your baby’s development. If you’d like reassurance about your child’s movement or have noticed concerns such as head tilt, flat spots, or delays, book an appointment with Palada at Trilogy Physiotherapy in Sinnamon Park today. Click here to book now!
Healthy mums lead to healthy families. While we look after your little one, our postnatal pelvic floor checks ensure you are recovering safely and strongly too.
References
- Case-Smith, J. (2015). Occupational therapy for children and adolescents. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Celayir, A. C. (2000). Congenital muscular torticollis: Early and intensive treatment is critical. Journal of Child Neurology, 15(2), 98–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/088307380001500206
- Öhman, A., Nilsson, S., Beckung, E. (2010). Stretching treatment for infants with congenital muscular torticollis: Physiotherapy or parent stretching program? Physical Therapy, 90(9), 1304–1313. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20090205
- Roby, B. B., Finkel, R. S., & Keens, T. G. (2012). Plagiocephaly: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 26(4), 285–295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2010.10.007
- Spittle, A., Orton, J., Anderson, P. J., Boyd, R., & Doyle, L. W. (2015). Early developmental intervention programmes post-hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005495.pub4
- van Vlimmeren, L. A., van der Graaf, Y., Boere-Boonekamp, M. M., L’Hoir, M. P., Helders, P. J., & Engelbert, R. H. (2008). Risk factors for deformational plagiocephaly at birth and at 7 weeks of age: A prospective cohort study. Pediatrics, 121(2), e408–e418. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-0858
Read more….
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To learn more about pediatric physiotherapy in Brisbane, check our our blog HERE