Early Years Physiotherapy

Early Years Physiotherapy Early Years Physio is a paediatric intervention service helping children of all ages and abilities

The ball run is one of our favourite toys in the clinic. What we love most is how well it adapts as children grow, suppo...
27/04/2026

The ball run is one of our favourite toys in the clinic. What we love most is how well it adapts as children grow, supporting different stages of development through simple, play-based movement.

From early tummy time through to standing play and active movement, it gives us so many opportunities to motivate children to work on strength, coordination and balance in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for little ones.

We love the Q Toys Pound a Ball Tower in particular. There are so many wonderful versions available.

If you would like to see it in action, we would love to have you join us on a Thursday morning. Baby group is one of our favourite parts of the week and your first session is completely free. Send us a message to reserve your space. 🤍

📧 hello@earlyyearsphysio.com.au 📞 0483 827 867

24/04/2026

Activities to try at home from the Early Years Physio team.

A simple balloon game can be a great way to support coordination and reaction time.

Ask your child to hit a balloon using their hands or a racquet, either to themselves or back and forth with you. The slow movement of the balloon gives them time to respond while still challenging their control.

To make it more challenging, you could:

👉🏼 Ask them to stand on one leg
👉🏼 Stand on a specific spot
👉🏼 Balance on a pillow
👉🏼 Try kicking the balloon instead
👉🏼 Or lift their bottom off the floor while kicking

Small variations can gently increase the balance and coordination demands while keeping the activity playful and achievable.

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Alana has been working in paediatric physiotherapy since graduating from the University of South Australia in 2005 — and...
22/04/2026

Alana has been working in paediatric physiotherapy since graduating from the University of South Australia in 2005 — and in the years since, she has developed a specialisation in infant neuro-motor development and working with children with disabilities.

She has a particular passion for working with children with Cerebral Palsy, building her expertise across more than 15 years in specialist disability services, tertiary hospitals and private practice. Her post-graduate training includes Neuro-Developmental Therapy (NDT), orthotic provision, gait assessment, equipment prescription and hydrotherapy — which happens to be her favourite form of therapy.

Alana wholeheartedly believes that play is the key to helping children discover their bodies and build movement confidence. She has a soft spot for toddlers, and as a mum to two little boys herself, she brings a genuine understanding of the early years to every family she works with.

That passion is also what led Alana to create .strong.little.body My Strong Little Body: A Physiotherapist's Guide To Nurturing Your Baby's Development — a resource born from her desire to support parents from the very beginning.

We are so grateful to have her leading our team at Early Years. 🤍

20/04/2026

Activities to try at home from the Early Years Physio team.

The superman is a simple floor exercise that children often enjoy — and it works hard in the background.

Ask your child to lie on their tummy and gently lift their arms and legs off the floor at the same time, as if they're flying. This position strengthens the muscles along the back and core, which support posture and spinal control through the day.

These muscles play an important role in a child's ability to sit upright, stand tall and maintain their position during activities like writing or eating.

Short holds are perfectly fine. The focus is on quality of movement rather than how long they can hold it. Even a few seconds done well is beneficial.

To make it more challenging, you could:

👉🏼 Hold for a little longer each attempt
👉🏼 Try lifting one arm and the opposite leg at a time
👉🏼 Add a gentle rock forward and back while holding the position

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Ryan is one of our physiotherapists here at Early Years, combining clinical knowledge with a genuine love for movement.W...
17/04/2026

Ryan is one of our physiotherapists here at Early Years, combining clinical knowledge with a genuine love for movement.

With a background in elite gymnastics and years of experience as a gymnastics coach, Ryan understands how important physical activity and enjoyment are in a child’s development. He brings this perspective into the clinic, incorporating creative and engaging exercises that make sessions both purposeful and fun.

Ryan completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Wellness at Arizona State University before graduating from Bond University with a Doctor of Physiotherapy. During his studies, he worked alongside physiotherapists at the Queensland Children’s Hospital within oncology and palliative care, and gained experience in clinics supporting children with developmental disabilities.

He particularly enjoys supporting children with neurological conditions, hypermobility and oncology-related needs, always tailoring intervention to each child and family.

Outside of the clinic, you’ll likely find Ryan in the surf, training at the gym, hiking, dancing, or testing new healthy recipes on his very patient flatmates.

We’re so grateful to have his warmth and energy as part of our team 🤍

Crawling is a complex motor skill that develops from strength, coordination and tolerance to weight-bearing through the ...
15/04/2026

Crawling is a complex motor skill that develops from strength, coordination and tolerance to weight-bearing through the arms and legs.

Many babies spend weeks, sometimes longer, building these foundations before crawling fully emerges.

Different pathways and timelines can still fall within typical development. Often, progress is seen through improved control, symmetry and movement confidence before forward crawling begins.

Floor time that encourages exploration, problem-solving and weight shifting supports this stage naturally.

If you’re unsure whether your baby’s movement patterns are supporting their next milestone, early guidance can help clarify what’s happening and how best to support development.

We are always here to help 🤍

Jenny has spent over 12 years working as a paediatric physiotherapist across a wide range of settings — from early inter...
10/04/2026

Jenny has spent over 12 years working as a paediatric physiotherapist across a wide range of settings — from early intervention and private practice through to education and community sport. Throughout her career she has worked with babies, children and young people across a broad range of developmental, neurological, physical, medical and orthopaedic conditions.

Alongside her clinical work, Jenny has shared her expertise in educational roles at Bond University and Griffith University, and has contributed to international programs in Indonesia and the Solomon Islands — reflecting both the depth of her knowledge and her genuine commitment to the profession.

Her clinical interests include mobility equipment prescription, gait analysis, orthotic prescription, aquatic therapy, pain management and the use of functional electrical stimulation and biofeedback to support functional outcomes.

Jenny is a committed, kind and caring therapist who brings her whole self to every session. Families who work with Jenny will know they are in truly experienced and dedicated hands.

We are so grateful to have her as part of our team. 🤍

08/04/2026

Activities to try at home from the Early Years Physio team.

Walking heel to toe along a line on the floor is a simple activity that can do a lot for your child's development.

This slow, controlled movement encourages your child to focus on where their feet are placed, which builds coordination and body awareness. It also works on stability through the ankles and hips — foundations that support balance and confident movement.

To make it more challenging, you could:

👉🏼 Place small objects along the line to step over
👉🏼 Try walking the line backwards
👉🏼 Carry something in both hands while walking
👉🏼 Challenge them to slow their pace right down

Small variations like these keep the activity playful while gently increasing the movement demands.
Save this one to try later 🤍

“My baby hates tummy time” is one of the most common concerns we hear in practice.Tummy time is a learned motor skill th...
31/03/2026

“My baby hates tummy time” is one of the most common concerns we hear in practice.

Tummy time is a learned motor skill that requires strength, postural control and tolerance to a new position. For many babies, this takes time. Tummy time can be very hard work. 👶

Short, frequent exposures, supported positions (including tummy time on a parent), and gradual progression are often more effective than long sessions on the floor. It is never a good idea to push through lots of crying when learning the skills of tummy time.

If your baby becomes distressed, adjust the position, support the movement, and try again later.

And remember, if you are not sure if your baby’s movement patterns are ‘normal’ or if you think you might need some help to support their development, we are always here to help.

30/03/2026

As we head into the cooler months, our Serial Casting Program is returning.

Serial casting is a specialised, non-invasive intervention we offer to support children with reduced ankle range, toe walking and calf tightness.

It involves the careful application of a well-padded plaster or fibreglass cast to gradually improve joint alignment and increase range of motion over time. Casts are changed at regular intervals, with each position gently progressing toward a more optimal alignment.

When clinically indicated, serial casting may assist with:

✨ Reducing soft tissue contracture
✨ Improving ankle range and muscle length
✨ Optimising standing alignment and balance
✨ Supporting more efficient walking patterns
✨ Potentially reducing the need for more invasive interventions

At Early Years, our established serial casting program works collaboratively with your child’s medical team to ensure safe, coordinated care. Jacqui and Dominic have undertaken advanced training in the United States in the management of paediatric foot and ankle conditions using serial casting.

If you’re wondering whether this approach may be appropriate for your child, we’re always happy to talk through options.

My baby only wants to stand” is a common concern, particularly in babies who are strong and curious.Standing can feel ea...
27/03/2026

My baby only wants to stand” is a common concern, particularly in babies who are strong and curious.

Standing can feel easier and more familiar than floor-based movement, especially if a baby has limited experience with transitions like rolling, crawling or moving in and out of sitting.

While standing is an important skill, it doesn’t replace the foundational movements that support balance, coordination and long-term motor development.

Encouraging a variety of floor positions and transitions throughout the day helps build the skills that make standing and walking more efficient and confident over time.

And remember, If you’re unsure whether your baby’s movement patterns are ‘normal’, or if you think you might need support with their gross motor development, we are always here to help.

Catherine is our Allied Health Assistant here at Early Years, supporting our physiotherapists and helping children gain ...
25/03/2026

Catherine is our Allied Health Assistant here at Early Years, supporting our physiotherapists and helping children gain the most from their sessions.

After completing her Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance in 2020, Catherine has been dedicated to creating a welcoming and encouraging environment in clinic. Whether she’s assisting within therapy sessions or helping behind the scenes with administration, she plays an important role in keeping everything running smoothly.

Certified in Reformer and Mat Pilates, Catherine also supports structured exercise programs within the clinic, helping children build strength and confidence in a supportive setting.

Since starting her own family, Catherine has developed a deep appreciation for helping children work through their challenges and enjoy everyday movement. Her warm, friendly nature ensures families feel comfortable and supported throughout their time with us.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Catherine exploring rock pools with her children or enjoying the beautiful creeks around the Gold Coast.

We’re so grateful to have her as part of the Early Years team 🤍

Address

Suite 2U, Treetops Square, 2 Classic Way
Burleigh Waters, QLD
4220

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

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