Kids Physiotherapy Waterford

05/07/2025

23/06/2025

I work with incredible people. Incredible parents who have so much to deal with. So many parents find themselves in the habit of doing everything they can for their children but don't get to do anything for themselves. Or don't get the opportunity to do things that will help them physically and mentally. It can be so hard to change this habit. For those parents who have children with additional needs, it is very important to look after yourself, too. Having worked with many parents who struggle to get the time to give back to themselves, I decided to offer this class.

This class will offer you the opportunity to:

✅️ Develop your whole body strength.

✅️ Develop your balance.

✅️ Improve your flexibility.

✅️ Rest your body and mind.

✅️ Learn about the exercises that work for you.

✅️ Ask questions about your health and wellbeing.

✅️ Meet other parents and share experiences and knowledge.

The class will be 1.5 hours long and will take place at the clinic here in the airport business park, Waterford. The space is small but will take a small class of 6 people so places are limited.

Proposed times are currently:
Tuesdays at 10:30 am
Fridays at 4:30 pm

This is a new class which is not up and running yet, so if you are interested but these day/time does not work for you, please get in touch anyway as I may be able to change the class or add another class in future. Or if these times work for you, please let me know your preferred time.

If you are interested, please get in touch. Or if you know anyone who may benefit from this, please share this with them. I would also be very grateful if you could share this post to help it reach more people who may find it useful.

Thank you.

18/05/2025

I picked up this book in Galway a few weeks ago. I had never heard of it and wasn't looking for it, but somehow I had in the bag leaving the shop!

This is a wonderful book, in my opinion. I loved it. It highlights so many issues related to Autism including physical and sensory presentations and difficulties. It is laugh out loud funny and lump in your throat sad in points. I learned a lot from reading this book and it opened my mind even more and has helped me increase my understanding. I particularly loved how the different personalities of the authors jumped off the pages. I found the essay format an amazing way of presenting a wide variety of experiences and insights.

While this book is specifically written by people with Autism, there are many other people, both children and adults, with different diagnoses who will face very similar challenges. And so, like the subtitle says, it is a must read for everyone. As it may provide insight into your own life experience or the experience of your child, a relative, or a colleague.

Thank you, for your work and I wish there is more like this to come!

Miley.

21/04/2025

Ahoy there!!

Check out this amazing chalk drawn scene, drawn by a very creative mum! Thanks for the picture mum!

The challenge...walk across the plank from the pirate ship to the treasure without falling and being eaten by sharks or octopus! What a great way to make this boring skill so much fun!!

Even if you don't have a plank, the plank can be drawn with chalk too!

Walking a balance beam is an excellent way to improve balance, attention and coordination. It can also improve gait.

So anyone working on balance with their little ones, get those chalks out and enjoy making up some interesting games. If you come with any new ones please send them on to me! I love learning new ones and love sharing them with others.

Enjoy!!

17/04/2025

Up the walls!

I posted about climbing walls before. But when I realised my 5 year old could do this too I had to share this as I didn't think he would be interested or able.

Climbing is very challenging for motor planning and for strength of trunk, upper limbs and lower limbs. It's great for building confidence and it's great fun.

Activate in Waterford is a great spot for walls. The staff are very helpful and great with kids.

We also found a gem in Galway called Wildlands.

https://www.wildlands.ie/play

This place is amazing. It has fun themed climbing walls, ninja course and zip wire trails. My lads have not stopped asking to go back.

11/04/2025

Show them how it's done....

Research has shown that children develop better when those around them show them how things are done. They gain more insight into movement from regularly seeing their parents and family moving in all manner of ways, compared to attending structured sport only.

As much as possible, and no matter where your child is at in their development, show them how you can move and what you can do.

Roll on the floor, walk like a bear, jump, walk on a beam, throw a ball, climb, or kick a ball. As long as they are watching you, they are learning. Their brains are taking this information in and beginning to plan how to replicate this movement.

Whether it's at home, at the playground, on the beach, or walking along the street. Show them different movements that will motivate them to do the same, now or in the future. Show them that you are also enjoying yourself while doing the movement so they associate movement and exercise with positive feelings and fun.

These pictures were taken at the lovely Mount Congreve Gardens playground. The lads were delighted to play on the new equipment and had me wrecked by the end!!

Experiment: Increase your level of animation and activity when playing with your child and see how they respond. Take note of what they like to see and try doing more of that.

31/03/2025

Bennettsbridge Playground

This was a lovely find yesterday for Mother's Day. It is a fantastic playground with some unique pieces of equipment. The most unique was the massive rope swing, which I have never seen before. This allowed for such varied play and was very motivating and fun, and all the family could get involved.

I was amazed at how I found my own sensory system struggling while swinging on this. I felt a little nautious at times. For a minute or two, I found it difficult to concentrate and what the boys were saying to me, and I didn't feel myself. Gradually, I began to get used to the feeling, and I settled and started to have fun. I was reminded of how vestibular challenges affect our nervous system state, ability to concentrate and focus, and ability to be regulated for play and enjoyment. It is important for children and adults to keep active and playful and trying out differing movements that challenge our nervous system. Now, while I have no plans to build a rope swing at home, there are lots of ways that children can practise these movements. Whether it's rolling or bouncing on a peanut ball, rocking on a balance board, or swinging on a simple tree swing, children can find many ways of accessing motion, which will challenge the vestibular system.

I recommend exploring how you and your child tolerate different movements and how these movements affect you. This may give you a better understanding of your child, yourself, and how you can improve regulation, function, and enjoyment.

I highly recommend this beautiful park, which has equipment for challenging balance, jumping, climbing, upper limb strength, lower limb strength, coordination, and vestibular movement. There is also a large green space for playing football or rounders, and it is located in a gorgeous village by the River Nore, 6KM from Kilkenny City.

Best wishes,

Miley.

Would you like to know more about the vestibular system?

26/02/2025

NOW OPEN...

Kids Physiotherapy Waterford is now open in a new space at the Waterford Airport Business Park. I am thrilled to have worked with to develop this space specifically for children and young people needing physiotherapy support.

This has been a dream for a long time, and I hope it will be a useful resource and service for many children and parents in Waterford and further afield.

Please get in touch if you have any questions about the service or see www.kidsphysiotherapywaterford.ie for more details.

Miley.

16/02/2025

27/03/2022

Happy Mother's Day!!

01/03/2022

Check out Waterford Sports Partnerships upcoming programme.