Discover
What Is Paediatric MSK Physiotherapy
Paediatric MSK Physiotherapy at Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab supports young people aged 10 to 17 with musculoskeletal injuries linked to sport and exercise, from a twisted ankle in a Saturday football match to an overuse injury from regular training. Sessions are led by Emma Reid at our clinic on Wilmslow Road in Handforth.
MSK stands for musculoskeletal, meaning bones, joints, muscles and the soft tissue around them. This service focuses specifically on sport and exercise-related musculoskeletal injuries in young people aged 10 to 17, assessing and treating injuries in a growing body with the same care and clinical rigour as our adult physiotherapy, adapted for a younger patient and, where relevant, for a still-developing skeleton.
What This Service Does Not Cover
This service is not suitable for neurodevelopmental conditions or for early years and very young children. It is designed specifically for sport and exercise-related musculoskeletal injuries in young people aged 10 to 17. If you are looking for support with a developmental condition or a much younger child, your GP will be able to advise on the most appropriate service for your child’s needs.
Who This Service Is For
This service suits young people aged 10 to 17 who are active in sport or regular exercise, including those who play football, rugby, netball, run, dance, swim or take part in gymnastics or athletics, and who have picked up an injury through that activity.
Common Injuries and Conditions We Help With
- Ankle sprains and other sports-related joint injuries
- Muscle strains from training or match play
- Growth-related overuse injuries, such as Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee) and Sever’s disease (heel)
- Minor sports trauma, such as knocks and falls during play
- Ongoing niggles that flare up with training load
- Safe, structured return to sport after injury
Assessment Process
A parent or guardian will need to attend every appointment with their child. Emma will take a history covering the injury, the sport or activity involved, training load, and any previous injuries, before carrying out an age-appropriate physical assessment. Emma is DBS-checked, in line with the clinic’s standard safeguarding practice for anyone working with young people.
What to Expect at Your Child's First Appointment
Please bring your child in comfortable clothing suitable for movement, along with any relevant scan results, letters, or details of previous treatment if applicable. The first appointment focuses on understanding the injury and how it happened, assessing movement and strength, and agreeing a treatment plan with you and your child together, explained in terms they can understand.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Approach
Treatment is built around a safe, structured return to the sport or activity your child wants to get back to, and may include hands-on treatment where appropriate, guided rehabilitation exercises, load management advice for training and match play, and education for both parent and young person on managing the injury and reducing the risk of it recurring.
Why Choose Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab
Paediatric MSK Physiotherapy here is delivered within a physiotherapy clinic with a specific, sport-focused scope for young people, rather than being folded into general children’s health services.
Outcomes and Limitations
Most sport and exercise-related injuries in young people respond well to appropriate rehabilitation, though recovery time varies depending on the injury and how it is managed at home and during training. This service is not a substitute for emergency care. If your child has a suspected fracture, is unable to bear any weight, or has a significant injury, please seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a physiotherapy appointment.
Pricing and Availability
- Initial assessment: £85
- Follow-up appointments: £65
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Register your interest by calling 01625 783992, messaging us on WhatsApp at
+44 7792 068822
, or using our contact page. You can also read more about our general Physiotherapy service, our Sports Injuries condition page, meet the team, or return to our homepage to explore everything we offer.
What age range does Paediatric MSK Physiotherapy cover?
This service is for young people aged 10 to 17 with sport and exercise-related musculoskeletal injuries.
Does this service treat developmental or neurological conditions?
No, this service is specifically for sport and exercise-related musculoskeletal injuries and does not cover neurodevelopmental conditions or early years children. Your GP can advise on the right service if you need support with these areas.
Do I need a referral from a GP or sports coach?
No, you can book directly with us, though if your child already has a referral or relevant clinical letters, please bring these to the first appointment.
Will I need to stay with my child during their appointment?
Yes, a parent or guardian is required to attend every appointment.
What kinds of injuries do you commonly treat?
Common injuries include ankle sprains, muscle strains, growth-related overuse injuries such as Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sever’s disease, and general sports knocks and niggles.
How much does an appointment cost?
Initial assessments are £85 and follow-up appointments are £65.
When will this service be available?
Emma begins specialist training later in September 2026, with bookings expected to open from late November. Register your interest now and we will contact you as soon as appointments are available.
Is Emma DBS-checked?
Yes, Emma is DBS-checked in line with the clinic’s standard safeguarding practice for anyone working with young people.
Can this help my child return to sport after an injury?
Yes, a safe, structured return to sport is a core part of treatment, with rehabilitation built around the specific demands of your child’s sport or activity.
What should we bring to the first appointment?
Comfortable clothing suitable for movement, along with any relevant scan results, letters or details of previous treatment, if applicable.
Register your interest by calling 01625 783992, messaging us on WhatsApp at
+44 7792 068822
, or using our contact page. You can also read more about our general Physiotherapy service, our Sports Injuries condition page, meet the team, or return to our homepage to explore everything we offer.