About the Physiotherapy department

Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of conditions through physical means.

At Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), we have a large team of more than 40 specialised children’s physiotherapists, research physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants. We provide a high standard of assessment and treatment across all the specialties and see children with rare and complex diagnoses. Our physiotherapists have a national and international reputation within children’s physiotherapy.

We have a strong team emphasis and work directly with all the members of the multidisciplinary team. We also have strong links with secondary and community services, other physiotherapy teams throughout the UK, and the International and Private Patients service.

All of the physiotherapy services at GOSH are in line with government initiatives and national service frameworks, including Every Child Matters and NICE clinical guidelines, to provide the most effective service for our children and families.

We have a strong research presence in national and international literature and have current research projects in neuromuscular, respiratory, rheumatology, orthopaedics and neurosciences physiotherapy.

A large number of our physiotherapists are members of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists and regularly attend and run courses for this special interest group. There are also a large number of members of the team who give expert input into charities and organisations such at The Jennifer Trust and DEBRA.

Our Physiotherapy department participates in world-class teaching and training. As well as running regular lectures and courses, we also support clinical placements for national and international undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy students.

We have three large gym areas, a hydrotherapy room and other specialised treatment areas. We have access to the latest equipment such as the GAITRite walkway system, as well as exercise equipment, respiratory adjuncts, orthotics, ventilation equipment and postural management equipment.

When your child is seen by a physiotherapist, they might be assessed in a variety of settings. This will depend on the child but it could be on the ward, in a play room or treatment room, in the physiotherapy department, in the gym or in outpatients.

Depending on your child’s needs, they may be required to remove some of their clothing or wear shorts so their muscles and joints can be examined properly. Your child is always seen in a private and dignified environment and they can choose whether to have family members present or not.

The physiotherapist will explain exactly what they are doing and a treatment plan will always be discussed with you and your child. We will involve you in all aspects of your child's care and written consent will be obtained for any procedure or test that is relevant.

If English is not your first language, we have full access to translators.

We strongly encourage the child and family to fully participate in all aspects of the physiotherapy and we aim to make the experience as fun as possible.

When a child’s physiotherapy care is shared or transferred to a local service, we always speak with the local team and make a plan that is agreed with the child and their family.