Helping kids move: How physiotherapy supports physical activity and participation
It’s no secret that kids need to move — for their bodies, their minds, and their wellbeing.
But did you know that Australia ranks 32nd out of 49 countries when it comes to physical activity in children?
We believe that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to be active, connected, and confident in their movement. That’s why our approach goes beyond traditional skill-building — we focus on real participation in sport, play, and everyday physical activity.
Why Is Physical Activity So Important for Children?
According to the World Health Organisation, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. For children, being active every day contributes to:
✅ Stronger bones and muscles
✅ Improved heart and lung health
✅ Better mood and mental health
✅ Enhanced social skills and friendships
✅ Higher academic performance and cognitive development
✅ Reduced risk of chronic disease later in life
It’s not just about fitness — it’s about healthy development and thriving.
What Are the National Guidelines?
Australian guidelines recommend that children and adolescents (ages 5–17) should:
🕒 Accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily
🏃 Include a variety of aerobic activities
💪 Include muscle and bone-strengthening activities on at least 3 days/week
⏱️ Engage in more activity for even greater benefits
Unfortunately, many children are not meeting these goals — particularly those with additional needs or disabilities.
The Physiotherapy Difference: Participation, Not Just Performance
As physiotherapists, we do more than improve strength or balance — we help kids get moving in real life.
Our team uses a participation-focused therapy model that includes:
🎯 Setting meaningful, child-led goals
🧩 Removing barriers (like fatigue, fear, or lack of access)
🎮 Using fun, engaging methods to build confidence
🏡 Practicing movement in real environments like home, school, and playgrounds
🧠 Supporting families and support teams to continue the movement beyond therapy
We also use tools like the ICF framework and CanChild’s F-words (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, Future) to track what truly matters to families.
What About Strength Training in Children?
You may have heard the myth that strength training is unsafe for kids — but modern evidence says otherwise.
Under the supervision of trained professionals, strength training is safe, effective, and important for kids of all abilities.
✅ Builds confidence
✅ Improves bone health
✅ Supports posture and injury prevention
✅ Increases capacity for everyday activities and sport
We tailor each program to suit a child’s age, development, goals, and health needs — using proper technique, progressive resistance, and loads of encouragement.
Helping Kids Find Their Movement Match
If We help families explore movement options that suit their child’s interests, abilities, and environment. This includes:
Inclusive sports
Adapted gym programs
Community walking or cycling
Aquatic or group-based fitness
Incidental movement like active transport
We also apply models like the TREE approach (Teaching, Rules, Equipment, Environment) to modify activities for success.
Whether it's simplifying rules, using adapted equipment, or advocating for inclusive opportunities, we help kids find their "movement match" — something they enjoy and want to keep doing.
Working Together for Long-Term Health
Movement shouldn’t stop when the session ends. That’s why we:
Work closely with families and educators
Train support staff and teams
Connect children with local programs, funding, and opportunities
Use motivational coaching techniques to build self-belief
And most importantly — we make it fun. Because when movement is enjoyable, it becomes part of life.
Ready to Get Moving?
Whether your child needs help building strength, joining in at school, or finding the confidence to play, Outreach Physiotherapy is here to help.
📍 We work across Darwin and remote communities
🧠 We use evidence-based, inclusive therapy
🤝 We partner with families, schools, and support teams
💡 And we believe in every child’s potential to thrive through movement